spent some time today on the Brat topper. It was in need of some repairs: The old Handle was gone, and the latch didn't have the slide lock bars (guess they fell off for the previous owner), never had a key for a non existent handle, and the hinge for the rear glass was loose at the top, and the strut cartridges kept falling off.

 

I got a new T Handle lock (its for a garage door) from the hardware store with key. I also got the slide bars, guides for them, and handle turning mechanism at the junkyard a while back. The slide bars were too long so had to cut them to fit and lock. The brackets to hold the slide bar came off the junkyard piece, and i had to use spacers to get it adjusted. I used some washers to fix the hinge where it pulled loose from the screw holes. Used some pieces of short hose to help secure the strut cartridges onto the ball. Also re-bent the brackets.

 

Now, I can lock the topper. Too bad it is coming off in such a short while for spring/summer. I will probably end up loosing the keys to the lock, kinda like i have lost the keys for my bike lock.... :-\

I will probably end up loosing the keys to the lock, kinda like i have lost the keys for my bike lock.... :-\

 

What about storing it with the keys in the lock?

Johnson']What about storing it with the keys in the lock?

 

don't do that, you'll run the risk of snapping off the keys in the lock if you bump into it.

 

Zip-tie it to your handle

ooooh. are there any part numbers on your lift supports? I'm replacing the back window frame in mine, and going to the newer support style. right now I just have a big stick

 

 

 

 

 

spent some time today on the Brat topper. It was in need of some repairs: The old Handle was gone, and the latch didn't have the slide lock bars (guess they fell off for the previous owner), never had a key for a non existent handle, and the hinge for the rear glass was loose at the top, and the strut cartridges kept falling off.

 

I got a new T Handle lock (its for a garage door) from the hardware store with key. I also got the slide bars, guides for them, and handle turning mechanism at the junkyard a while back. The slide bars were too long so had to cut them to fit and lock. The brackets to hold the slide bar came off the junkyard piece, and i had to use spacers to get it adjusted. I used some washers to fix the hinge where it pulled loose from the screw holes. Used some pieces of short hose to help secure the strut cartridges onto the ball. Also re-bent the brackets.

 

Now, I can lock the topper. Too bad it is coming off in such a short while for spring/summer. I will probably end up loosing the keys to the lock, kinda like i have lost the keys for my bike lock.... :-\