Rear clam safety catches/latches

[Kevin B]

Hi all,
I am on the verge of staring a build and would like to better understand the rear clam top safety catches. I am not referring to the lower hartwell latches. I have seen a number of builds as this one pictured (with the catches circled) which have catches/latches on the top of the rear clam. I have also seen a number of posts regarding the structure under the clam to support the rear clam at this point. My question is how are the catches installed for builds where these catches are not visible from the exterior? and how are they operated? Thank you all.

 

[Ian Anderson]

Those shown are aerocatches

Home - AeroCatch

The AeroCatch Range The aerodynamically efficient and styled AeroCatch® is setting new standards in panel fixing, providing a wide variety of fixing solutions AeroCatch Hood pin latch with adjustable strike pin. Above & below panel fixing. 120 Above & 125 Below Panel Series AeroCatch 2 Extended...

aerocatch.com

Originals used bonnet catches that are released from inside the car by a cable pull

There was a replica in Australia that fitted 2 pins in the hip section of the door these were probably 8 inches long and inserted with the car door open and with the door shut could not slide out of the housing……left on the seat it was easy to remember to have them fitted!

Ian

 

[Frank Catt]

I have been using aero catches since first introduced many years ago, and have found them to be easy to install and adjust, and perfect security with easy operation to open and close. These units can be be set both above and at surface levels, and can be painted to body colour if required. If not copy of original GT40 clips they are perfectly acceptable.

 

[Mark Boyers]

There’s nothing more satisfying than the snap of a heartwell
latch closing shut

 

[Kevin B]

Thank you all for the feedback. I was aware that the ones in the picture are Aerocatches and I do like those if they must be visible. However, I think I'd like something that blends in better. I know I could paint the aerocatches.

Does anyone happen to have any images of how the original bonnet catches were installed? Is there a pin mounted to the underside of the rear clam somehow?

 

[Ian Anderson]

R

Thread 'Rear Clam Shell slam catches'

Jul 30, 2024

Some photos and details of the rear slam catches.
Huge thanks to James for helping me locate the details.
I certainly appreciate all the help he has given the community.

1965 Ford GT40 Images

Photographs Of the 1965 Ford GT40. Coupe. Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. A high resoltuion image gallery of the 1965 Ford GT40 with interior, exte...

www.conceptcarz.com

I can see the side of the latch here with the nut coming through to secure the rod.

Picture showing the roof release hole...

• Ryan Love
• Replies: 74
• Forum: Original Ford GT40s

• 

 

[David mono]

Car 1028.

 

[Kevin B]

Thank you. This is helpful!

 

[Alan Lofurno]

Kevin.

Sending pics of my RC40. I have the RCR version of the Hartwell latches but with the addition of pins in the cockpit that go through the bulkhead into the rear clamshell that ensure the rear clamshell can’t come open. One thing I like about this approach is that the doors cannot shut without engaging the pins which eliminates any risk of driving off without the clam secured.

 

[Neil]

Kevin.

Sending pics of my RC40. I have the RCR version of the Hartwell latches but with the addition of pins in the cockpit that go through the bulkhead into the rear clamshell that ensure the rear clamshell can’t come open. One thing I like about this approach is that the doors cannot shut without engaging the pins which eliminates any risk of driving off without the clam secured.

This isn't a GT40 but here is how I fastened my rear bodywork.

 

[Mark Boyers]

We liked this type

 

[Howard Jones]

It is my opinion that this type is the least likely to be overlooked. It is right there in your face every time you get into the car. I use them on both of my cars just for that reason. Of all the ways you can do this, its the simplest, best accounts for human error, clearest go/nogo way to do it IMHO. This is a mission critical/ can not fail system componite.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

[Mark Boyers]

Pictures are from the original car 1076 at Amelia Island which I was loosely based the car on ,so would be more original looking also I think , but all depends on the look that you are after.with the help of people from this forum we ended up making many parts that you just cannot get anymore and the car ended up taking three or four times longer than it really should have but we have 10 times more fun than we ever thought we would what a great journey

 

[Kevin B]

This is all very helpful. I do think I want to try to keep as clean of a look as I can. I do like the options that are hidden from exterior view. Although I do appreciate the fact that some are visible so you don't forget to lock it.