Hey all. I built a battery box for my dad's '57 chevy two door wagon concealed in the rear inner quarter and I'm looking for some ideas on attaching the door. Originally planned on using dzus fasteners but the old man wants to play the "where's the battery?" game, which i think could be pretty cool. Entertaining the idea of a magnetic push latch but all I can come up with is drawer push latches and they're not as robust as I'd like. I have some strong bolt in magnets to use but I'm scraping the bottom of the 'idea barrel'. Any thoughts or ideas are greatly appreciated.
You mean magnetic push latches for those glass cabinets for a home stereo? Heck a fella could use 4 of them- one on each corner-the panel would have no hinge and just pop up off the surface to be plucked away. People would only see a seam and not realize what it does. If carpeted-no seam. -rick
Exactly the idea he had in mind Rick. I thought we were going to paint the inner wheel houses and call it good, he has the idea of carpeting up to the trim just below the rear quarter windows so that all would be visible is a small, tight carpet seam on the door. I mounted some of those latches already and IMO I can't see them holding tight enough going over a pothole or a hard launch. Been researching marine latches for boats but so far-nada.
I like the strain relief bushings. Nice work. These guys have magnetic catches rated up to 34 pounds pull per latch. http://www.mcmaster.com/#magnetic-latches/=xz9mw4
...........or you could put some spring loaded hinges like on a gas filler access door or license plate flip access hinges.
look at cabinet latches used on boats. Latch is hidden and only requires a hole large enough for your finger to release.
Yes, low budget and paul55, good idea. Spring loaded at the top perhaps and some sort of marine-push latch on the bottom...now we're getting somewhere. That gives me a direction to move towards, thanks guys. Open for more suggestions, keep 'em coming and thanks!
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