1971 Mach 1 Trap Door Latch Pins

[artjr92124]

My Mach 1 was missing the metal pins required to un-latch the trap door into the trunk. I’ve been looking for new latches, but could not find anything for a 1971-73.

Was only able to find for a 69-70 mustang from National Parts Depot, part 45704-2A for $38.90. So I bought two.

Once I received the NPD item I compared it to one of my latches. It was not the same and there was no way I could have made it work.

However, in looking at the new part I could tell the metal pin was secured by a set screw, used a small Allen wrench to back off the screw and the metal pin was able to be removed.

I then inserted the new pin into my old latch and tighten the set screw… perfect!!!!

The latches worked perfect so I installed both using the new pins. It cost me $80 for the new pins, the new latches were useless.

Now that it’s been fixed and the latches work, knowing what I know now, I could have found a piece of round heavy wire, cut it to the right length and bend the end into a loop. Then insert into the latch and tighten the set screws.

Sure wish someone would start making the replacement loop pins. I’ve attached several pictures to help everyone understand what I’m talking about.

 

[Steve73QMach1]

My Mach 1 was missing the metal pins required to un-latch the trap door into the trunk. I’ve been looking for new latches, but could not find anything for a 1971-73.

Was only able to find for a 69-70 mustang from National Parts Depot, part 45704-2A for $38.90. So I bought two.

Once I received the NPD item I compared it to one of my latches. It was not the same and there was no way I could have made it work.

However, in looking at the new part I could tell the metal pin was secured by a set screw, used a small Allen wrench to back off the screw and the metal pin was able to be removed.

I then inserted the new pin into my old latch and tighten the set screw… perfect!!!!

The latches worked perfect so I installed both using the new pins. It cost me $80 for the new pins, the new latches were useless.

Now that it’s been fixed and the latches work, knowing what I know now, I could have found a piece of round heavy wire, cut it to the right length and bend the end into a loop. Then insert into the latch and tighten the set screws.

Sure wish someone would start making the replacement loop pins. I’ve attached several pictures to help everyone understand what I’m talking about.

I have two 73 Mach 1s with fold down seats and neither had the latch pulls. I did just as you said above and fashioned my own out of aluminum rod. I cut them to length, used a grinder to make a flat on the rod for the set screw, then rounded off the sharp edges on the end. I added a drop of thread locker to prevent the set screws from backing out. They aren't original but they work great and they aren't visible unless I open the trunk.

 

[artjr92124]

That’s fantastic, I wish I had posted about this before I spent $80 for the two latches I ended up buying and only used the pins. Hopefully others will read and see this and save themselves some time & money.

What really surprised me is why the replacement pins (by themselves) cannot be purchased!!!

I’ve seen catalogs where you can buy the replacement set screw for $.45, but I’ve yet to find anywhere you can buy the latch assembly for 71-73 trap door, why is that? Only 69-70’s!!!

 

[351c1971]

years ago. I fabricated replacement latch pins out of 3/16 inch, Stainless Steel, 316 Alloy Rod. This alloy is soft enough to bend and the pins were better than original.