Latches
 

The ones that keep my glove-box lid and stereo cabinet doors closed have broken. Anybody know where I get replacements?

It's the black plastic part with the spring catch, screwed to the inside on the openings. Southco is the maker, #479873 and AA=44N.

Thanks.

Sure wish T'bird would use better hardware! Same crap as the head door.

I'm on my second Fastech and have had issues with both glove box latches. You're right they are cheap plastic. Have you tried contacting Formula - I plan on seeing if they'll send me a replacement.

I've contacted them, but no response yet.

Re: Latches
 

Latches for the head and storage/referigerator doors can be purchased in stainless steel from West Marine. They cost twice as much as the plastic, but will not likely break and they look much better.

PLASTIC????????:eek: :eek:

My old Bird doesn't have any stinking plastic hinges. I had no idea Formula stooped to such lows!!

I'd be calling Formula like right now demanding some REAL hinges. WTF?!?!?!?

I think their goal with the white plastic latches was to achieve a "modern" monochromatic appearance in the cabin. I think they have since upgraded to the stainless latches in the newer boats ($50.00 each).

The re-designed glove box lid was also inferior, leading to broken hinges and lids. I know they have upgraded the design on the glovebox on the '04 models. Wish there was a retro-fit fix on this one!

It's easy in retrospect to think that something should have been made better, but I have to say ... they really did it right on the cabin hatchway with the sliding clamshell door. The older swing door was a major P.I.T.A.! Can't remember how many times I repaired the one in my 311.

Despite a few minor design problems, I think we all have to admit that Formula is still, by far, the best boat company to deal with, period!

My problem is not hinges, but the spring-loaded latch that keeps the lid or door closed.

I went to West Marine, and they didn'y have anything like what I need, either plastic or stainless.

Still not response from Decatur.

Why not order them direct from Southco? Are they out of production?

-Greg

They only see through distributors, who usually can't be bothered with 1 or 2.

I know we buy through them, but maybe the company has a direct PO with them (and we often by only a dozen or less). Sometimes you can also call on behalf of a company and ask for 1 or 2 samples to "test".

That part number comes up as a captive screw???

I'll check and see who we buy our from, you might also check McMaster-Carr or MSC to see if they carry them.

-Greg

What about McMaster Carr? I seem to recal a thread like this and Nort I believe found them there.

Jon

If it's a Southco part.....we buy thousands of parts from them. I could use a few of these latches myself!

Is this the one yur are talking about???

http://www.southcoipsg.com/prd/lst_m...&StartingRow=0

Phantom
 

Yep, that's them. I don't know which Formula uses.

If you can some, that would be great.

AS I recall, last year you helped me out with Southco head-door harware.

Thanks a million!

Well......
 

Formula finally responded. They gave me their part # (1227), but told me they couldn't sell me one, as they don't sell retail!

Said to go to a dealer (mine's out of business) or marine repair service.

Isn't that a terrific way to treat someone who has bout 3 new boats from them?

Very disappointing. They should be ashamed.

I'd complain up the line, but it's not worth my effort.

F**k 'em.

BUT................
 

Following the previous post, I decided I'd unload a bit on the Customer Service guy (Bob Boyd) who gave me the brush-off. I told him their attention to customers stunk, and that I looked forward to seeing the Porters this summer at poker runs and boat shows, and giving them a copy of his frosty response.

Well, 5 minutes later I get a new e-mail from Trish Myers, saying that I'd be contacted by the head of the Technical Assistance Division.

Then I got an e-mail from Mike Boyd (same last name as the first guy), Director of Warranty and Customer Service, offering to send free latches as good will gesture.

I accepted his offer, but told him that I continue to believe that they should handle such matters in a far more "customer friendly" manner.

So Phantom, it looks like I'm set. Thanks again.

Just for grins I typed the part number into Hitech Fasteners (www.hitechfasteners.com, local Baltimore company) inventory search and they had 20 units in stock. They show 1250 Southco part numbers in stock, so could be a source for others needing Southco parts.

-Greg

Pete

Glad you got that squared away with Formula. Those P/N's you have in the 1st post are weird. Is that stamped on the part or something? If so, it's probably a mold number or something. I didn't realize that Southco made these.....I'm gonna have to get some! You are right....the break all the time.

I'm getting some samples of the C3-810......is that the one they are using? I figure the more holding power the better.

Re: Latches
 

Phantom,
Did you get your samples?? I'd like to get a few of these myself.

Thanks,
Dave

Re: Latches
 

Yes.....three came in last week. I just threw them on the boat and I'll get to them later.