These are the door latches that are on my project car. I’d like to know what they came from, because clearly they weren’t manufactured just for this car. If they were put on the car when it was first assembled they are at least 40 years old. I don’t want to just toss them if they have any value other than just as a common gate latch. Whatever they are, They are not old or sloppy. This carwas never driven much after it was built.
I am guessing it was a generic latch used on all sorts of things. My grandpa’s ‘56 travel trailer has the same latch and I saw the one on an old logging high lead last summer
My intention is to replace them with something more attractive and purpose-built, as opposed to this thing that looks like it belongs on a barn. I don’t need exterior door handles, as this is a roadster. It doesn’t need latches go click click either. I will probably build something positive that holds the doors closed until the car rips apart.
It's a unveral latch that fits about anything. Used a lot on heavy equipment. My Ford backhoes used them. They're still available from several antique auto parts dealers, large hardware stores, tractor dealers, etc. Simple and rugged.