My comparison of the new FFR door latch and Classic Gold latch.

[mburger]

Henry Renaud just assembled a set of the new FFR door latches. I happened to have a set of the reproductions from Classic Gold so I did quick comparison. I plan on trying the FFR latches on my mk1 to see what modifications need to be done.

https://youtu.be/_HBzeU75mE0

[Badfish]

Interesting. I have a MKII, went with bearclaw latches at the time, since the FFR ones didn’t fit well without a bunch of brackets.

I’ll be curious on your MKI fit up with the new style, keep us posted!

[CaptB]

I just received my POL latches, 31 pages of instructions. Wow.

[mburger]

I just received my POL latches, 31 pages of instructions. Wow.

Are you going to the latch build class?
:p

[CaptB]

Are you going to the latch build class?
:p

Probably need to!

Actually, it doesn't look too bad. At least it's detailed.

Capt. B

[Theshandman]

I just received my POL latches, 31 pages of instructions. Wow.

Where did you find the instructions? I just received a POL box with latches and associated parts but no instructions.

[BrewCityCobra]

Wow, those look much nicer than the old style. These are FFRs new offerings not aftermarket?

[CaptB]

Where did you find the instructions? I just received a POL box with latches and associated parts but no instructions.

There should have been a green slip of paper in the box, but here it is:

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Roadster-door-Latches.pdf

[mburger]

Wow, those look much nicer than the old style. These are FFRs new offerings not aftermarket?

Yes. Dave Smith has a video on line describing the work Jesper did designing it.

[BrewCityCobra]

Yes. Dave Smith has a video on line describing the work Jesper did designing it.

Just watched the video, very nice. Now the big question - I haven't started on my doors yet, do I order these new latches as an improvement? I always did hate the feel of the old style.

[CaptB]

Just watched the video, very nice. Now the big question - I haven't started on my doors yet, do I order these new latches as an improvement? I always did hate the feel of the old style.

I'm sure FFR would appreciate the extra sale. To really answer your question is that while I can't help you, there's got to be someone who is familiar with the old latch and the new latch.

Based on what I've read/seen the new ones are much better but I have no direct insight into what the old ones were like.

[BrewCityCobra]

I'm sure FFR would appreciate the extra sale. To really answer your question is that while I can't help you, there's got to be someone who is familiar with the old latch and the new latch.

Based on what I've read/seen the new ones are much better but I have no direct insight into what the old ones were like.

I have a friend with a MK I or II (not sure exactly) and those latches are....shall we say....less than ideal. The more I think about it the more this seems like a no brainer - just have to get over the mental aspect of spending more money. Hah. Think I would be numb to that by now anyways!

[rthomas98]

I think these will be a nice winter project for my MK4. Would do it now but I just installed the old style about 2 weeks before the facebook live video showing these.

[edwardb]

I watched Dave's video and have looked at the instructions. Born out of necessity because the vintage style latch is apparently in very limited supply. Certainly seems the new latch is an improvement over the old one. Uses a similar, if not the same, 2-step bear claw style latch as used in other builds (Coupe, Hot Rod, Truck, etc.) and also in the Breeze latch. But the old style latch, if adjusted properly and also if modded as regularly described, works fine. I've had them on multiple builds with no issues. I'd certainly use the new design on future builds. But I see no reason to retrofit the old one if you have it installed and it's working. Thousands of them out there.

[rich grsc]

I watched Dave's video and have looked at the instructions. Born out of necessity because the vintage style latch is apparently in very limited supply. Certainly seems the new latch is an improvement over the old one. Uses a similar, if not the same, 2-step bear claw style latch as used in other builds (Coupe, Hot Rod, Truck, etc.) and also in the Breeze latch. But the old style latch, if adjusted properly and also if modded as regularly described, works fine. I've had them on multiple builds with no issues. I'd certainly use the new design on future builds. But I see no reason to retrofit the old one if you have it installed and it's working. Thousands of them out there.
I agree, the old style work well. If you're having issues, they just need fine tuning. Mine will close just by swinging the door shut, and stay closed too.

[CaptB]

I think these will be a nice winter project for my MK4. Would do it now but I just installed the old style about 2 weeks before the facebook live video showing these.

Wonder if the new latches match the old holes. You'll have to come back and let us know.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I watched Dave's video and have looked at the instructions. Born out of necessity because the vintage style latch is apparently in very limited supply. Certainly seems the new latch is an improvement over the old one. Uses a similar, if not the same, 2-step bear claw style latch as used in other builds (Coupe, Hot Rod, Truck, etc.) and also in the Breeze latch. But the old style latch, if adjusted properly and also if modded as regularly described, works fine. I've had them on multiple builds with no issues. I'd certainly use the new design on future builds. But I see no reason to retrofit the old one if you have it installed and it's working. Thousands of them out there.

I agree also. The original latches can be made to function perfectly and fully latch the door with just a "two finger flick" as Rich said (hey, who set those latches up on your car? ;) ) BUT that isn't going to happen straight out of the box---you have to give them a little attention.

Jeff

[svassh]

I agree, the old style work well. If you're having issues, they just need fine tuning. Mine will close just by swinging the door shut, and stay closed too.
I had a new set on order that I just cancelled. The drivers door on my MK2 had become increasingly difficult to latch I assumed it was just worn. I took it apart last nite and found the lever was bent and had disengaged from its cam. A pair of pliers and hammer chisel to reseat the cam and they work excellent again.

That said the bear claw style latch is far superior in every way.

[mburger]

Wonder if the new latches match the old holes. You'll have to come back and let us know.

In my video you can see on the back side of the new latch it uses three attachment points versus the four on the standard latch.
I have a Mk1 and it’s a totally different animal especially in this area. I am going to take photos as I attempt to modify what I need to modify to get these working correctly for us folks keeping the FFR history alive in our Mk1 and Mk2s. Lol

[rich grsc]

I agree also. The original latches can be made to function perfectly and fully latch the door with just a "two finger flick" as Rich said (hey, who set those latches up on your car? ;) ) BUT that isn't going to happen straight out of the box---you have to give them a little attention.

Jeff
Us old farts know a thing or two. :cool:;)

[mburger]

I’m using an older spare striker to work with. The first “challenge” is, the collar stud, (or whatever it’s called) is about 1/4” too short. There are no threads for the nylock. Once I source the correct stud, the new latch will work fine.

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