New Door Latches... Old Style Door Tabs

[Ted G]

So, I really like the new door latches that FFR has obtained. I think they are probably better, less problematic and more durable with a better latching system. If you were like me, and caught between the old latches and the new latches and did not receive and updated frame (probably between March 2021 and October 2021, you probably received the new latches but got a chassis with the old, shorter tabs that may or may not work with the new latches.

Factory Five has come up with a solution, but it is less than desirable. Since the new latches need a tab that is anywhere from 1/8" to 3/8" longer than the old style, many have to utilize the frame modification that FFR will provide if you ask. This mod is a little "Mickey Mouse" in my opinion, but will work. This was a big bummer for me, because it was just another modification that I really didn't want to do... But in the end, I am happy with the results. I wanted something a little more custom, so this is what I came up with:


I decided to just cut off the existing tabs on the frame and come up with my own design that was: 1). worked well and was sturdy 2). looked like it was meant to be from the start 3). was adjustable

So, I cut the tabs:
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Ground down the frame:
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I decided on not welding a new tab on, but rather bolting on a tab instead. I decided to use 1/4" aluminum plate; mainly for strength and a sturdy look, plus this would be polishable. So, from a stock piece of aluminum, I cut the tabs, ground them down, drilled, countersunk and polished them:
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Mounting them was a little challenge, but I decided to use two countersunk screws that went all the way through the 3/4" frame tube. I also used one that was just tapped into the frame (just to give a little more strength).
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This is the final look. These feel very, very strong, look good and have some adjustability.
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Let me know what you think.


Ted

[John.Gallegos415]

Wow, that is very nice. Don't by chance have an extra set hanging around your garage collecting dust I suppose? lol. I have been waiting for 3 months for FF to send me the striker plate extensions and still have not received them. I may have to copy your idea.

[runamuk]

Those look very nice, good job

[CaptB]

Yeah FFR put a lot of work into the new latches but the extension looks like crap.

[MB750]

I like this solution. I got my MK4 last December and did NOT get the striker plate extensions. Hopefully I won't need them, but i like this solution just in case.

Although I'd go with steel, weld it in place, and paint it satin black like the frame. I feel like that plate gets some abuse and the aluminum might bend over time. But, "to each-his own". ;)

[Mike.Bray]

I'm within a month of sending the car back to the paint shop for final bodywork and paint so I'd be happy to have the latches but they're still on POL. Ugh

[ggunter]

Nice work, looks better than FFR solution.

[marshc56]

nice work. looks much better than factory.

[Nigel Allen]

I like this solution. I got my MK4 last December and did NOT get the striker plate extensions. Hopefully I won't need them, but i like this solution just in case.

Although I'd go with steel, weld it in place, and paint it satin black like the frame. I feel like that plate gets some abuse and the aluminum might bend over time. But, "to each-his own". ;)

If you bend that plate, I would hate to think what condition the door might be in...

[Nigel Allen]

G'day Ted,

Great craftmanship, something you get to admire every time you open the door.

Cheers,

Nige

[tomjones]

I think there is a good market for what you designed. Breese, Everson, Thompson, etc could be offering these brackets. Is the new latch for FFR available for older models?