Targa Latch Minutia: Wire Clip That Secures the Handle in the Latch?

[mshaver51]

Let me broadcast this to all corners of the community -- Jim Breazeale is a national treasure!

I've been trying to figure out why the targa latch handles won't stay in the latch. It's a long story, which requires alcohol to get the details...

But Breazeale pointed me to a photo of a targa latch which actually shows the tails of a small wire clip that fits into a groove around the receiver barrel. (The clip holds the handle in place.)

here's the Pelican link so that you can see:
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...OEM#kitsComAnc

can anyone provide a photo of what that wire clip looks like?

Thanks, in advance.

[rmakosaito]

Good timing! I replaced the pins on my latches and took a couple photos

[mshaver51]

You get the top prize for today!!

Where can one obtain those clips, por favor? Cie vous ple?

[mshaver51]

Also, do you have measurements?

[rmakosaito]

I need one but have not been able to locate them. The closest that I've found are from a plumbing application. The best search terms have been a combination of: U-shaped, wire, retaining, spring and/or clip. Please post if you find a working solution

here's a photo showing measurements

[mshaver51]

Wow! My friend, you have advanced the scholarship of targa owners everywhere, and i hereby doff my chapeau to you as a sign of my respect.

i'll start searching, but i've never seen anything of that shape before.

And Breazeale was the scholar that unlocked this knowledge!

joking aside, this forum is amazing.

[frederik]

I have the opposite problem: the handles won't come out of the latch. Not a big problem, I just leave them in all the time and they're not in the way.

[mshaver51]

Can anyone provide a source for the targa handle clips?

This could be the last piece I need for my restoration of '68 #0001.

Please let us all know if you have a source.

[mshaver51]

In case anyone might be seeking an alternative that is not original, but functional, I have tried a number of off-the-shelf substitutes for the wire clips.

It appears that a 3/8" e-clip fits the ears to the shots in the barrel. It takes some muscle to get the handle to fully engage, but the handle remains in place. Just in case you're tired of having the handles I'm the glove box.