System Case Latch Removal

Post by **Boxer** » Fri May 19, 2006 11:36 am

Anybody got a clue to removing the latch mechanism box from the case top. I can see it's revited in at the bottom side inside the case, but how do you get inside to the top of the rivets? I have the lock removed and I have the plastic/rubber seals removed from the metal latch hooks inside, but I can't figger out how to get the darn latch cover off from around the handles. One side will pop up but then the other side won't budge.

Where the red arrows are is the edge of the little plastic cover that needs to pop off, but it refuses to come. I'm afraid to give it more brute force. Might break something.

The green arrows is the edge of the whole box that is riveted in.
Any suggestions?

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Fri May 19, 2006 1:21 pm

Once you have drilled all seven rivet heads on the inside use a center punch or drill bit to tap the rivets in...then it should just lift out.

As long as have the two black plastic things removed from the metal hook shaped thingies..by tapping out the little pins.

DJ

Post by **Boxer** » Sun May 21, 2006 9:59 am

DJ, have you done this before?

I have the rivets drilled out and the latch box is OUT of the case. But what should be the simplest part is causing me a headache big time. The remnants of the rivet ends that remain in the holes. After almost and hour of pulling, cutting, hammering, drilling and cussing I have managed to get only two of them free. What's the secret!?

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Sun May 21, 2006 10:18 am

Yes...I have done this before...when I swapped to a fullsize inner left case.

I don't remember having any problem removing the old rivets once the heads are drilled off.

The rivets should be aluminium...don't use S/S ones...they're so hard to drill...maybe you have them?

When you are trying to drill them out are they spinning...is your drill bit sharp...if not..it may be worth buying a new bit.

DJ