MKI - MKIII door latch-to-door mod

[David Hodgkins]

Another mod I’m doing this weekend is adding rivnuts to secure the latch to the door. The included screws have worked themselves loose in the 20k miles I’ve put on my MKIII since completion and no longer allow the door latch to remain tight against the door. The new redesigned latches use larger rivnuts so I’m thinking of using something similar on the older style ones too. I’m thinking the aluminum ones will not be strong enough but the new brass ones on the new kit are too big.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=202896&d=1724015321

Has anyone else tried this before? Any suggestions on how to proceed?

:)

[michael everson]

10-32 would be a good size.
Mike

[David Hodgkins]

10-32 would be a good size.
Mike

Thanks Mike. Do you think I can get away with aluminum or should I use brass? Something else?

:)

[michael everson]

I only us the steel ones. But them from McMaster-Carr
Mike

[David Hodgkins]

I only us the steel ones. But them from McMaster-Carr
Mike

I ended up getting a HF tool that came with steel but discovered they are too short so I ordered longer ones from McMaster-Carr. Thanks Mike! I’ll update again soon!

:)

[maginter]

I’m thinking the aluminum ones will not be strong enough but the new brass ones on the new kit are too big.

:)

Use Steel... Never mix steel with aluminum without a corrosion killer. The 2 metals will galvanically corrode and eat each other.

On a different note, are those the MK3 latches from FFR or elsewhere? I am wanting to upgrade my MK1

Mark

[ProfessorB]

I only us the steel ones. But them from McMaster-Carr
Mike

I would be grateful for the part number...

[ProfessorB]

I ended up getting a HF tool that came with steel but discovered they are too short so I ordered longer ones from McMaster-Carr. Thanks Mike! I’ll update again soon!

:)

I would be grateful for any part numbers...

[ProfessorB]

Also wondering: The new brass ones are too "big"? Meaning the diameter? If so, couldn't the holes be enlarged to accomodate the bigger rivnuts?