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Posted by: last337 Jan 14 2013, 07:08 PM

Does anyone know what these are called and where to find them? I looked at 914rubber but couldn't find them. I thought about just making some myself but wasn't sure if I could just find the right ones cheap

Posted by: kg6dxn Jan 14 2013, 08:20 PM

Not really sure what you are referring to. I see a Targa bolster in the center and the top latch above. Plastic screw plugs (right and left) and weather stripping on the far right.

Posted by: last337 Jan 14 2013, 08:39 PM

Sorry im asking about the rubber block like pieces that go around the latches. They are broken off around the latches

Posted by: mrbubblehead Jan 14 2013, 08:53 PM

I need a couple of sets also. I wish mark would start making these. I do know there is an early and late style. One is a little taller than the other, I dont remember which is which. it looks like yours are the shorties. If you find a supplier would you post em up?

Posted by: Mikey914 Jan 15 2013, 01:18 AM

Just a matter of making it pay off. Tooling is the big cost. 2 different sets of tooling adds up faster. If there were 50 people that needed 1 set each (for each type), it would be do-able. Cost I'd ballpark at $17 a piece. ($34 a set).

If there is enough interest I'll do it, but my gut tells me there is't enough demand for these..... maybe I'm wrong.

Posted by: bluhun Jan 15 2013, 02:53 AM

I'll take a pair for my '75 6-cylinder conversion car.

Posted by: last337 Jan 15 2013, 06:46 AM

Id be in for a pair for my 1973. Are you die-cutting that from sheet rubber? That tooling would only cost less than a few hundred for a multi-cavity steel rule die.

Posted by: Mikey914 Jan 15 2013, 12:53 PM

These would have to be a molded part. I can look at just the rubber block rather than the whole strap (with the steel to mount it). That's the major portion of the cost on these the hook is imbedded in the rubber.

Posted by: mrbubblehead Jan 15 2013, 02:41 PM

Yes, the hook and the part that bolts to the roof are inbedded. I believe they are aluminum. Unless you made the whole thing out of aluminum. Then wrapped the part that touches in felt or somenting. At least they would last then....

Posted by: last337 Jan 15 2013, 03:05 PM

Granted I have never had a pair that arent all busted like mine in the picture, but it would seem that a rubber block with a hole for the hook to slide in would work as well.

Posted by: worn Jan 15 2013, 03:56 PM

Well, I have started hoarding them because they all go bad with time and the time is roughly the same with all of them. Had to replace two in one year. Also AA no longer has any left. So I am the guy who keeps asking you to think about making them. They have an aluminum frame with a die cast center molded with rubber in between so it isn't simple. The problem is that the pot metal tends to break. Maybe there is a simple fix or substitute, but I would be in.

Posted by: gms Jan 16 2013, 10:17 PM

I have a bunch if needed

Posted by: dave1075 Mar 4 2013, 10:28 AM

I am looking for those for quite a while. So I would be happy if someone decides to make them. I would definitely go for 2 pairs.

Posted by: worn Mar 4 2013, 04:16 PM

I've asked for this before and would take two sets hands down. It seems like the supply is now reaching the critical point, and you could design them so they don't break, but I would understand if you wanted to go for authenticity. So, count me in!

Posted by: timothy_nd28 Mar 4 2013, 04:52 PM

I'd be in for a set

Posted by: finchmunoz Mar 5 2013, 09:59 AM

Id be in for a set!

Posted by: ChrisNPDrider Mar 5 2013, 02:34 PM

FYI - I just "restored" an old set like Glenn posted above and they look amazing. Clean, buff, repaint. Maybe others have broken theirs?

Posted by: SirAndy Mar 5 2013, 03:26 PM

I've been using short pieces of small rubber hose over the little pins that the latch hooks into.

That takes up the slack of the often missing powdercoat layer on the latches and hooks and helps keeping the top on tight.

Posted by: MoveQik Mar 5 2013, 04:12 PM

I used heatshrink tubing on mine. Similar idea.

Posted by: montoya 73 2.0 Mar 5 2013, 06:10 PM

I have done the same.