Author Topic: Mast sail track latch  (Read 7752 times)

jwspeck

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Mast sail track latch
« on: November 11, 2015, 05:20:54 PM »
While removing my sail from the mast and boom, the latch on the mast that is heavily corroded fell apart.

I'm guessing finding a direct replacement for the original 1978 latch will be difficult. How are these things replaced? Do you go to a metal shop and hope they can bend a piece of metal to fit?

Pictures of old latch attached.

Dolce_Vita

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Re: Mast sail track latch
« Reply #1 on: November 11, 2015, 10:11:42 PM »
If you have all the original pieces, it may be possible to use them to create a mold, and then do sand casting to create a replica in silicon bronze.

There's an outfit called Bristol Bronze (http://bristolbronze.com/) that does a lot of custom bronze parts who may be able to help.

It's funny you should mention this particular part, as I just modified mine to add a stainless lanyard to the pin to prevent losing it.  It's a project that's been on my to-do list for years.

« Last Edit: November 11, 2015, 10:15:09 PM by Dolce_Vita »
@(^.^)@  Ed
1977 P-323 #42 "Dolce Vita"
with rebuilt Atomic-4

jwspeck

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Re: Mast sail track latch
« Reply #2 on: November 12, 2015, 04:20:33 PM »
Thanks!

Great idea! I'll give it a shot!

Rusty Pelican

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Bill1188

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Re: Mast sail track latch
« Reply #4 on: November 12, 2015, 08:15:06 PM »
Problem with that one is that it's zinc plated steel. It will be rust in no time. Go to a machine shop with the old one. They will make one for you in short order. Sand casting would be time consuming and expensive, unless you wanted to make tons and be in the latch business.

jwspeck

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Re: Mast sail track latch
« Reply #5 on: November 13, 2015, 02:59:31 PM »
Maybe I'll try sending it to Garhauer when I send them my traveler track...