Restore or reproduction for 1970 Challenger hood latch

[DrEamer]

I was lucky enough to get a hood latch for a 1970 Challenger in a parts lot that I have bought. The problem is it needs some work do before it goes on the car. I have a quote to restore it for $185, or I can get a reproduction unit for $112. The latch is part of my conversion of 1973 to a 1970. So, it is not a numbers matching effort. That said, OE just seems to fit better most of the time. I just wanted thoughts on which would be the better route to go.

 

[quapman]

Holy Carp!

Do you have a local plating shop that can re-plate it for you? Either bead blast the old plating off or ask if they can strip, too.

 

[challenger6pak]

Restoration is more than one plating color after it is apart. I would look into an inside cable operated hood latch.

 

[rklein71]

I have used Evaporust for a lot of parts. You would be amazed at how stuff can turn out. You can buy a quart at O Reilly's for around ten bucks. It is worth a try.

 

[DrEamer]

Holy Carp!

Do you have a local plating shop that can re-plate it for you? Either bead blast the old plating off or ask if they can strip, too.

I do some access to blasting equipment, but the blasting and plating are only part of the problem. The lever has a bend in it, plus the lever itself is loose around the mounting pins. Both problems can be addressed according to the restorer. I might be able to replace the pins somehow, but if I mess it up, I can't ever replace a true original piece easily.

Restoration is more than one plating color after it is apart. I would look into an inside cable operated hood latch.

I have considered the inside latch release but need to address the issues noted above. On the other had, I could possibly use the latch off my '73 which is in good condition.

I have used Evaporust for a lot of parts. You would be amazed at how stuff can turn out. You can buy a quart at O Reilly's for around ten bucks. It is worth a try.

Good to know, Thanks!