Mondial convertible top roof latch

Well it's been a couple years since I had my Mondial but finally moved it up to Monterey and now fixing a whole bunch of small items...starting with a problem I've had for years:

The PO of my 84 Mondial replaced the convertible top latches with a different brand (perhaps Alfa as they sure look like what I had in a 91 Spider). As a result my convertible top is extremely difficult to put up. Buying replacements for about $500 each is not what I want to do if I can help it.

1. Can anyone verify from the pictures that these are indeed not the latches that an 84 should have? The original PN was 61252000 and was superseded by PN 61758500. I know it's not the 617 number as it doesn't have an adjustment screw...but could it possibly be the 61252000? I can't find a picture anywhere.

2. The distance between the center of the screw mounting hole and the lip on latch is 6 CM (about 2 3/8 inches) - arrows in pictures. Can anyone tell me what their latch distance is? I may try to find or engineer a suitable replacement.

Thanks.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I agree Ron. I had a 91 Spider and I seem to remember them being identical but it's one of those things one uses hundreds of times without looking carefully at them...and it's been years.

Thank you spicedriver.... It's rather difficult to see from the drawing but they could possibly be PN 61252000...

I' sure someone with an 83 or early 84 will say for sure.

 

Thank you Fred! Reinforces my reluctance to spend the money on new Ferrari latches...

Ron produces the pieces that break on the newer style roof latch. They don't fit what I have.

 

Glad you have a smart wife...you should have listened log ago.

How did you modify? make latch longer or shortened the arm? pic?

Cheers

 

That's what threw me off. I expected that the "arm" should be shorter not longer!!!

I guess it depends on what is difficult about latching the top.
1. The first part is to hook the top to the the windshield frame - that would become easier with the longer arm....but not a big problem for me.
2. The second part is snapping the hook back and in that case the longer arm would seem to make it even more difficult to do. i.e. by increasing the length of the arm you are making the top and windshield frame end up closer to each other...

lot's of people talk about it being difficult to put the top up but not sure if the difficulty is in hooking the windshield or doing the final close...my problem is the later so I believe I need a smaller arm... thoughts anyone?