Hardtop latches for 96' RT/10

[V10SpeedLuvr]

Hardtop latches for 96\' RT/10

Well today has absolutely sucked for me and my hardtop. Mainly me. I was cleaning up my garage and as I was moving my top to a new location, I heard something rattling inside of it. I looked and the LH side front latch is gone! All that is left is the plate that the latches mount too and then screws to the top. So,

1. Is there a way to get "inside" the top to retrieve the latch?

2. If not, where can I find 2 new latches (passenger side also seems loose)?

After all this, when I was putting the top in its new place, I put a 2" scratch on the top of it Thank goodness I hardly ever use the top

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

Re: Hardtop latches for 96\' RT/10

I'm going to try to fish the latch out the same hole it fell in, but that seems like it'd be a lot easier with 2 people (1 to hold the top, 1 to fish) but since I'm a one man show, anyone have any better/easier ideas?

 

[Viper Wizard]

Re: Hardtop latches for 96\' RT/10

Chad are you ready for this one! You might get REAL good at fishing!!

Right latch #5010848AA MSRP $454.00
Left latch #5010849AA MSRP $410.00
[less 20%]

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

Re: Hardtop latches for 96\' RT/10

Chad are you ready for this one! You might get REAL good at fishing!!

Right latch #5010848AA MSRP $454.00
Left latch #5010849AA MSRP $410.00
[less 20%]

DOH! Time to pull out the ol' fishing pole. I'm just glad it isnt winter time and I dont need the top anyway for a few months

 

[bth1]

Re: Hardtop latches for 96\' RT/10

Chad,

Being that the top is not metal and the latch should be, do you think you could use a really powerful magnet to retrieve the latch? Assuming you work the magnet from the non painted side, you might be able to use the magnet to drag the latch to where you can get it back. That or a magnet on a string might help if the magnet would drop into the hole. I would have to look at mine to see if this would work but that might be easier if you don't have a helper.

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

Re: Hardtop latches for 96\' RT/10

After looking at how the passenger side latch is made and connected to the top, I think the latch actually falling inside is impossible. All I can tell is the nut that holds the latch to the top couldve fallen inside the top. Then, the latch assembly could've fallen forward (onto the ground). I think the noise I heard rattling when I shook the top was actually the back latches moving back and forth. I taped the backlatches down so they can't move and no longer hear anything moving inside the top. I tried the magnet thing and I fished something out, but not sure what it is, but as far as I can tell, its not a part of the latch assembly. Ofcourse, I've looked all over my garage and don't see the latch, so who the heck knows where this thing is?? ?? I just know I won't be buying a new latch for $500!

I've called:

Viper Parts Larry: didn't have any
Emailed Jon B: expecting response tomorrow

Who else can I try?

 

[carguy07]

Re: Hardtop latches for 96\' RT/10

Try Biff too.
http://marketplace.viperclub.org/vender.php?vender_id=34&cat_id=1

 

[Viper Wizard]

Re: Hardtop latches for 96\' RT/10

Also try Paul Scharf @ 800-338-4002

 

[VIPER BAZ UK]

Re: Hardtop latches for 96\' RT/10

Also try Paul Scharf @ 800-338-4002

DAM IT!!!!!!!!!!
You beat me to it...

Could also try the company that makes the 3 piece top...

 

[joe117]

Re: Hardtop latches for 96\' RT/10

Don't jeff's new three piece tops come with regular latches?
I'm sure he has a source that doesn't cost near that much.

 

[klamathpro]

Re: Hardtop latches for 96\' RT/10

Chad are you ready for this one! You might get REAL good at fishing!!

Right latch #5010848AA MSRP $454.00
Left latch #5010849AA MSRP $410.00
[less 20%]

DAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNGGGGG! This Viper tax is out of control. You could have a machine shop retool a dozen of them for that price!

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

Re: Hardtop latches for 96\' RT/10

Chad are you ready for this one! You might get REAL good at fishing!!

Right latch #5010848AA MSRP $454.00
Left latch #5010849AA MSRP $410.00
[less 20%]

DAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNGGGGG! This Viper tax is out of control. You could have a machine shop retool a dozen of them for that price!

I was thinking the same exact thing! $400+ for a latch almost makes $17k for a hood seem reasonable

 

[ACELLR8]

Re: Hardtop latches for 96\' RT/10

Chad are you ready for this one! You might get REAL good at fishing!!

Right latch #5010848AA MSRP $454.00
Left latch #5010849AA MSRP $410.00
[less 20%]

Funny that one latch is more than the other. They appear to look the same on my top?

Looks much better when you subtract the 20%!