Topic: Trunk latch plating

[kutzoh]

Can the trunk latch be re-plated without disassembly? or like the door latches, is there a spring inside that would get compromised in the plating process.

Thanks,
Greg

[Sunlitgold68]

If it's anything like a 68 latch, you don't want to replate it. I believe it is galvanized steel. I would recommend finding a nice original or cleaning your original.

[Bob Gaines]

Can the trunk latch be re-plated without disassembly? or like the door latches, is there a spring inside that would get compromised in the plating process.

Thanks,
Greg

yes . And yes. Bob

[kutzoh]

Thanks for the replys guys, I thought the latch was zinc plated (64.5). Can anyone confirm if the 1st Generation latches were galvanized or not.

Bob, I don't understand your answer, are you saying "YES", I can replate the latch (unless it is galvanized) without disassembling AND "YES" it will compromise the spring mechanism?

Thanks,
Greg

[CharlesTurner]

The 2 main body pieces were galvanized.  The striker mechanism was usually plated zinc dichromate and the rivets were clear zinc.  Yes, you will compromise the spring if you plate the unit as an assembly.  I've always been able to find decent originals when needed.  Or, Ford did service them, so there are NOS pieces out there.

[Bob Gaines]

Thanks for the replys guys, I thought the latch was zinc plated (64.5). Can anyone confirm if the 1st Generation latches were galvanized or not.

Bob, I don't understand your answer, are you saying "YES", I can replate the latch (unless it is galvanized) without disassembling AND "YES" it will compromise the spring mechanism?

Thanks,
Greg

To elaborate- "Yes " you can replate it ether galvanize plating (like original) with limited results or zinc silver with limited results and "Yes" it will comprimise the spring. It will increase the chances of the spring breaking inside the latch. Not near as bad as the thin spring in the door latch mechanism but it could happen.  I hope this is clearer. Bob