Compartment Door Slam Latches
Is anyone having a problem of the above slam latches breaking and not being able to open the compartment doors? I have had two of my twelve latches that have broken cams, which operate the lock bolt when you lift up on the handle. It is a difficult process to get the doors open, including drilling a hole in the bottom of the assembly and inserting a long, thin screwdriver to push the bolt up to open the door.
There is no name on the latch assembly, other than 'Made in China', to find out who makes them. I did find a picture of a similar latch on the web and it appears to be made (imported?) by AP Products. However, there doesn't seem to be individual parts available for them.
I ended up making a cam from steel (5/32" thick) for the first one that broke, which required a lot of time cutting and grinding it to shape. I have since had a second one break while on the road. This time I used aluminum stock to recreate it.
New latches are available at prices for 40 bucks and up. However, they would have to be painted to match your color.
Now, I have ten more to go. Let me know if anyone else is having a problem with these type latches and if you have found parts for them.
There is no name on the latch assembly, other than 'Made in China', to find out who makes them. I did find a picture of a similar latch on the web and it appears to be made (imported?) by AP Products. However, there doesn't seem to be individual parts available for them.
I ended up making a cam from steel (5/32" thick) for the first one that broke, which required a lot of time cutting and grinding it to shape. I have since had a second one break while on the road. This time I used aluminum stock to recreate it.
New latches are available at prices for 40 bucks and up. However, they would have to be painted to match your color.
Now, I have ten more to go. Let me know if anyone else is having a problem with these type latches and if you have found parts for them.
