I Lost A Piece To My Convertible Top Latch....what Is It?

Hi,

I have a 1969 base convertible. Went to put the top up last night (its getting cold out!) and when my passenger side latch wouldn't close/engage as if something was jamming the works. I reached up to jiggle the j-hook and the hook and spring fell into my hands. Apparently the "pin" that keeps the hook on the latch is missing. I've looked all around my car and driveway and simply cannot find it.

I've looked around the internet for parts and can only find complete latches. Unfortunately I do not have any experience with convertible tops and for all I know this piece/pin is something common (I hope). I can't see enough of the assembly on the driver's side to figure it out either.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

How does the pin say in there? One hole is smaller than other hole. Is it pressed in? I don't see threads. I came across these pieces for GM cars and am wondering if convertible pieces were fairly universal back in the day? 68 72 GM Mid Size Convertible Latch Hook Yoke Kit LH | eBay

The holes on this piece are 1/8" and closer to 1/4". What a nightmare. I sent a message to Dallas Mustang and their reply was that the only option is to buy the whole latch assembly.

That was going to be my next question... would you sell me the piece? Either way, thanks for your help with this subject.

Just a follow up to this thread (closure) if anyone comes across it in the future. Original problem was a lost the knuckle retaining pin for convertible latch. I couldn't find any rebuild kits that would have this specially shouldered pin and my only choice was to buy a complete latch ($135 or so). Replacing the latch apparently requires peeling back the top....yikes. I opted instead to have a friend with a metal lathe make me a shoulder bolt/pin which I pressed into place retaining the original latch. I also came across another potential option. There are replacement knuckles, with pins, available for Chevy's for cheap. I bought one, shipped for a total of $14. This piece will definitely do the the same job as the original ford piece. You can just google "chevy convertible latch knuckle" and it will bring up options - for example: Convertible Chrome Latch Knuckle-pr.-Classic Chevy Truck Parts

I hope this helps someone else.

Thanks,