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Top latch spring

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Old Aug 25, 2016 | 11:47 PM
  #1  
blacksunshine'91's Avatar
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From: Moorpark, CA
Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Top latch spring

I have a question about the convertible latch spring, I believe that is what it is called. It is the pseudo-clothespin shaped spring that holds the rear convertible latch pin secured.

My question is do they wear out, and where can I find a quality replacement? When I close the latch, it will occasionally pop out of place or when I do get it secured then it sometimes won't return to the correct position when I pull on the handle to open it up. Any thoughts/suggestions?

For reference, here is a picture of my assembly. Am I missing anything?

Last edited by blacksunshine'91; Aug 28, 2016 at 03:26 PM.
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Old Aug 26, 2016 | 09:22 PM
  #2  
my82roc's Avatar
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From: Levittown Pa
Car: 89 Iroc Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27 Posi 9 bolt PBR
Re: Top latch spring

Is it possible that the pin is worn out?
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Old Aug 27, 2016 | 09:19 AM
  #3  
rarebmx's Avatar
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From: Imperial, Missouri
Car: 89 IROC/89 Vert/87 Vert/89 GTA Vert
Engine: 5.7/5.0/5.0/5.7
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9" 2.77/9" 3:23/9" 3:42
Re: Top latch spring

It's possible that the part it attaches to is part of the issue. Have you checked that the lock is positioned correctly as well?
I've seen the pins broken off but there shouldn't be to much wear on the pin if positioned correctly

Last edited by rarebmx; Aug 27, 2016 at 10:02 AM.
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Old Aug 27, 2016 | 10:00 AM
  #4  
my82roc's Avatar
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From: Levittown Pa
Car: 89 Iroc Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27 Posi 9 bolt PBR
Re: Top latch spring

That big cotter pin should squeeze the pin tight once it's inserted.
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Old Aug 27, 2016 | 10:03 AM
  #5  
rarebmx's Avatar
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From: Imperial, Missouri
Car: 89 IROC/89 Vert/87 Vert/89 GTA Vert
Engine: 5.7/5.0/5.0/5.7
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9" 2.77/9" 3:23/9" 3:42
Re: Top latch spring

Originally Posted by my82roc
That big cotter pin should squeeze the pin tight once it's inserted.

Mine isa latc, pin goes in, sing latch accepts the pin. Release the spring latch & pin pops out.
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Old Aug 27, 2016 | 12:17 PM
  #6  
Vanilla Ice's Avatar
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From: ARIZONA
Car: 92 Trans Am Conv
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: Top latch spring

http://www.hawksmotorsports.com/cama...h-upgrade-kit/

http://www.hawksmotorsports.com/cama...se-rear-latch/
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Old Aug 27, 2016 | 04:06 PM
  #7  
blacksunshine'91's Avatar
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From: Moorpark, CA
Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: Top latch spring

I saw the stuff at Hawk's. I don't need the entire upgrade kit. Being a '92, it already has that design.
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Old Aug 28, 2016 | 12:59 PM
  #8  
Vanilla Ice's Avatar
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From: ARIZONA
Car: 92 Trans Am Conv
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: Top latch spring

It has the cotter pin in the small repair kit. The second one isn't an upgrade, it's for repair. I'd replace the ancillary parts too. Either way, they have the cotter pin one way or another. Maybe call to see if they separate.
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