Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hi all...

Although this toothpick looks gorgeous, I'm a little concerned about the strength of it.

Do any of you smart folks have a good, original-ish-looking solution for replacing the hinge pins on early wire latches?

Thank you,
Peter

Peter, are those mint flavored toothpicks? Just asking.

Florida Roadster wrote: Mon Apr 25, 2022 4:11 pm Peter, are those mint flavored toothpicks? Just asking.

I didn't want to brag, but yes... mint.

Something a little more robust, I would suggest, than a tooth pick
I used roll pins of the appropriate diameter.
I can't remember if I had to trim the length but they are perhaps 2mm shorter than the bracket they fit into.
That way they are virtually invisible since the finish on them is black oxide.

A roll pin will work fine.

Use a solid steel dowel pin, make it tight on the side and so it will turn in the center portion. You can buy steel dowel pins at a good fastener house.

Nissanman wrote: Mon Apr 25, 2022 7:49 pm Something a little more robust, I would suggest, than a tooth pick

Thanks Nissanman,

Even though it's got frill and is a mint toothpick, I'm going to be cautious and take your advice...

Nissanman wrote: Mon Apr 25, 2022 7:49 pm I used roll pins of the appropriate diameter.
I can't remember if I had to trim the length but they are perhaps 2mm shorter than the bracket they fit into.
That way they are virtually invisible since the finish on them is black oxide.

spl310 wrote: Mon Apr 25, 2022 8:04 pm A roll pin will work fine.

Sooo... full story... I went to the world's greatest hardware store, and I did find roll pins. Length is no biggie, but I could only find pins with the diameter a hair too small or a hair too large. Got me thinking that I would peen the ends of the 'too small' pin, so the latch will stick on the sides, but rotate in the center. Any chance you remember the diameter? Thanks again.

david premo wrote: Mon Apr 25, 2022 9:07 pm Use a solid steel dowel pin, make it tight on the side and so it will turn in the center portion. You can buy steel dowel pins at a good fastener house.

I found those, too... but they were too snug or too loose, and didn't allow for the center rotation. Should I peen those? Or get snug ones and grind the centers before I tap them in?

Thanks everyone! I appreciate it.

I had a blister pack of "roll pins, black, various" and found a pair to do the job.
You can open the pin up slightly with a flat blade screwy, the interference fit doesn't have to be huge

Get the snug ones and get a drill just a bit bigger than the pin and open up the center hole so it will pivot and that should do it. When you tap it in, it will be fixed at the out side and rotate on the pin in the center.

Nissanman wrote: Tue Apr 26, 2022 9:10 pm I had a blister pack of "roll pins, black, various" and found a pair to do the job.
You can open the pin up slightly with a flat blade screwy, the interference fit doesn't have to be huge

david premo wrote: Tue Apr 26, 2022 10:04 pm Get the snug ones and get a drill just a bit bigger than the pin and open up the center hole so it will pivot and that should do it. When you tap it in, it will be fixed at the out side and rotate on the pin in the center.

So helpful, thank you. I had thought of one of these approaches, but not the other...

My takeaway: Two different approaches – both smart, both seem like they should work, but each one also presents a slight risk???

And because I'm compelled to overthink these things, I'll be fiddling with both ideas.

I will update the two or three of you that might be interested.



Thanks again,
Peter