Early '32 One finger latch collection

[Newc]

Some WW2 trucks used these latches- tooling was sold by Ford? GM trucks and Dodge trucks [olive drab] in WW2, GM used a different base. My collection just for looks. Dodge units 1,2,& 4. Ford 3&5 GM #6 Apparently there are Ford repros made lately. Two fully replated Fords up top. Newc

 

[DavidG]

Ford likely owned the original tooling, but like hundreds of other components, did not make these, but rather used an outside supplier.


The '32 single-grip hood hooks are among the most poorly-designed parts on a period Ford and it is no wonder that they were quickly replaced with a two-grip design. When lifting a single-grip latch the upward force is not only upward but also inward toward the hood side panel because the lifting point is off center on the outside. It's simple physics and the two-grip latch eliminates the offset and the inward force in lifting as the upward force is confined to vertical.

 

[alchemy]

I’ve got a bunch, including one NOS handle, and the four that came on my sedan.

 

[alchemy]

And don’t worry about the repros affecting the market. They don’t have the correct bases so they can easily be told from original.

 

[DavidG]

There were four versions of it originally. In addition to the chrome plated grip for passenger cars and black painted handles for commercial vehicles and big trucks, the tubular center section of the earliest versions of each had a completely round cross section. That was soon changed with the addition of a flat to the tubular center section which provided a much better fit against the rubber inserts ind the hood side panels.

 

[alchemy]

Interesting. I always thought the round barrels were actually the military ones that are from the WWII trucks. I didn’t know they actually came first. Thanks for the knowledge. There’s early 32, and really early 32!

I’ve never counted my stash, but there’s probably 30 or so including the ones on the car. I did obtain a few from a vintage Mopar place with the intention of replacing the mounting foot with a proper 32 Ford foot. And all of mine from Fords have chrome handles, so none must be commercial.

 

[Krylon32]

My everyday driver deuce truck is supposedly and early production model and it's got them. Painted bodies and some sort shiny tops, looks like nickel. Must not be original to the truck with the shiny tops. I've got the repros on my deuce sedan and a set for a new roadster.

 

[alchemy]

Just remembered that 33 Chryslers, IIRC, use them as well. I don’t recall what the foot shape is.

 

[sugarmaker]

Folks,
Not sure you can see these one finger latches? But they are shiny on the upper portion too.


Regards,
Chris and Cheryl

 

[Krylon32]

sugarmaker: That's what mine look like?