Worn out hatch pin receiver? [not the insert]
 

I have been seemingly forever adjusting my rear hatch pin receivers (rear lid lock). I installed new pins and the inserts from 944online a while back. I did need to sand the inserts a bit to fit the new pins. I now think the back of the lock 'jaws' are worn out but would like a second opinion.
I have the lock out of the car and have tried it on both pins and a older spare pin. The jaws close around the pin ok, but I can pull it off easily, squarely, without wiggling. Even if I try to hold the arm so the jaws clamp it will come off. I had a bad spare and opened it to look inside. The back of the jaws have a 'tapered' edge that pries the jaws open under nominal force. After a close look at the one I'm using it looks to be the same. I don't know if that is worn away or there to aid latching.
:confused: Are they supposed to have a flat surface where they hold the pin?:confused:

* Back of dismantled latch jaw
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1605066488.jpg

* Back view of the one I'm fighting
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1605066488.jpg

I had an 84 open up on the high way, LOL! Talk about down force. Ha. My 86 opened up in a shopping strip mall, I didnt even know it was open, {loud rock and roll} untill somebody yelled, hey your trunk is open. A good friend showed me how to adjust the spikey latch knobs to keep it tight and keep it from opening...

It was not out of adjustment but worn out. I thought since it was no good anyways I may as well take it apart. I drilled the two 'rivets' that hold it together and got a good look at the jaws. They were definitely too worn to hold the pin. I built up the back side of the jaws with weld and filed it to shape (flat on back, slight taper on front so pin will slide in). Now I can't pull the pin out of the jaw without opening the latch arm.


opened up lock
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1605225927.jpg

worn out jaws. No way that tapered jaw can resist the pin being pulled out
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1605225927.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1605225927.jpg

Built up the back edge of the jaws with weld then filed to shape. Have the lock back together but not installed
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1605225927.jpg


Looking at the two spares I have, both show wear but not as bad as the one I repaired. Now I know what to look for if the Right one starts to release and I can't correct it with adjustment. If it seems like a lot of bother to fix the lock, the cheapest I could get one with shipping and exchange rate was $208

Yeah, those buggers aren't cheap. Nice work adding material; if it works as planned you'll be sitting pretty :cool: