1928 Hood latches

[1oldtimer]

I found a few hood latches and was wondering whats the difference. I have 2 types, both are cast, both have a 3 bolt foot, the only difference is the head. One style has a flat almost pointed end and the other has a casting part and a small semi ball shape with an "M" cast in it.


Is one earlier then the other or is one old aftermarket.


Here's a picture off of google, just look at the end (I know one is a 2 bolt).

 

[wrndln]

The latch on the bottom has a forged handle, not casted. The 3 hole foot was used for 28 and 29 vehicles. M stands for Moore Forging Company. The forged handle style were used in all or 28 and into 29 a few months. To save some money, Ford changed to stamped handles like the top latch for 30 and 31 and they used the 2 hole foot.
Rusty Nelson

 

[1oldtimer]

Here's the ones I bought. They both look forged, but have a different shape and both are 3 hole foot. All the books I have say 3 hole foot is '28/'29 and that they're forged not stamped, but nothing about different shapes. Just wondering if ones are earlier then the other or aftermarket or just different.

 

[1oldtimer]

Here is some others. The ends don't have the ball and are a slightly different shape.

 

[wrndln]

The four latches in the previous post (#4) are cheap 1929 repros. I know, as I have some of them - they are junk. The handles are improperly made and the barrels are smaller than the originals. If I remember correctly, the internal springs are not right. In other words, not much is right with these repros.


In post #3 the right one has a 1929 stamped handle like I explained in my earlier post. You can see the seam on the underside of the handle. The left latch is a 1928/early 1929 forged handle on the latch. If you compare the two original latches in post #3, you will see the forged handle latch has cutouts/reliefs on both sides at the bottom of the barrel. The one with the stamped handle has only one relief to install the keeper for the spring.
Rusty Nelson

 

[1oldtimer]

Thank you, I don't have them in my hands yet. Looks like I might need to find one more forged one.

 

[wrndln]

I have a number of forged latches I would sell. Do you have a 1928 or early 1929 vehicle? They might need a little work on the barrels due to wear.
Rusty Nelson