Engine Cover Latches

patrick flowers

New member
Sep 19, 1997
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Does anyone know a source for the engine cover latches. A previous
owner removed mine and replaced them with some cheesy lift rings. The
heavy plywood cover probably doesn't really need them, but I'm thinking
of fabricating a lightweight cover which will.

Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailto:patri63

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com
 
Alex has them in stock in stainless
2 kinds - standard and new "lockable"
They are in the on-line catalog at http://gmcmh.com/access_hw.htm

Mike Finnicum
78 GMC Eleganza II
Naples, FL

>Does anyone know a source for the engine cover latches. A previous
>owner removed mine and replaced them with some cheesy lift rings.
The
>heavy plywood cover probably doesn't really need them, but I'm
thinking
>of fabricating a lightweight cover which will.
>
>Patrick
>--
>Patrick Flowers
>Mailto:patri63
>
>The GMC Motorhome Page
>http://www.gmcmotorhome.com
 
>
> As far as a "light weight" alternative to the hatch, I'm getting
> ready to do just the opposite. I drove Alex's Coke the other day and
> could not believe how quiet it was. I absolutely could NOT hear any
> engine noise.

If what I'm planning works out, it would reduce the weight of the cover
and provide insulation also. More later.

Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailto:patri63

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com
 
Patrick,

Sorry 'bout that. I need the retainer washers for the interior
latches. I have the screw down bolts but they pull all the way out
when I go to open the hatch. When I asked Alex a few weeks ago he
found he was "out of stock" but did have a source. You might call him
to see if he got any in yet.

And thanks, I had forgotten about them and will also call him today
re: same.

Also, Dave G. is right, the marine stores have a lot of those "type"
of latches for deck covers. Might be a good alternative.

As far as a "light weight" alternative to the hatch, I'm getting ready
to do just the opposite.
I drove Alex's Coke the other day and could not believe how quiet it
was. I absolutely could NOT hear any engine noise. He then showed me
what he did and while it takes a little time, the cost is nil. And if
you are replacing carpet like I am about to do (wife now wants
"taupe"), even the time should be minor.

1. Using 1x2 or 1x3 firring strips, outline your flooring over the
entire engine compartment on top of the existing plywood. Attach with
screws. Make sure you go up as far as possible under the dash. Create
an additional overlap for the engine hatch. And don't forget the back
sides (where the step is).

2. Fill the openings with "blue styrofoam" sound proofing material
($10 per 4x8 sheet & avail at home depot). Both the firring strips and
the foam are actually 3/4" thick.

3. Then top it all with 1/4" plywood. Total increase of 1". Again use
screws not nails.

4. Install padding and carpet. Again go with pad and carpet up as far
as you can behind dash.

Options:

If you do the entire coach, it also will greatly reduce tire and road
noise. Alex had not done this on the Coke, but was planning to do on
his new coach.

Use the same lead lined aluminum insulation (About $5/sq ft) that is
in the gen set compartment in the engine compartment. This reduces
noise even further and also insullates against the heat.

If you don't want to remove all your carpet and seats, just using the
lead lined insulation on the engine side will help a lot.

Mike Finnicum
78 GMC Eleganza II
Naples, FL

>>
>> Alex has them in stock in stainless
>> 2 kinds - standard and new "lockable"
>> They are in the on-line catalog at http://gmcmh.com/access_hw.htm
>
>Mike,
>
>I'm referring to the inside engine cover. I know Alex has them for
the
>two front access covers. Does he also stock them for the interior
"trap
>door"?
>
>Patrick
>--
>Patrick Flowers
>Mailto:patri63
>
>The GMC Motorhome Page
>http://www.gmcmotorhome.com
 
Hello All....
A little trick I learned from my MGB-GT rear hatch was to take a
washer that would just fit over the cover screw, put it in a vice,
and taking a hack saw, cut through one side to the hole. Slip the
washer over the cover screw and squeeze the two ends of the newly cut
washer together with vice grips ...should work.....
Oh, squeeze the washers After you put the cover screws through the
cover...............some day I'll tell you about my first experience
with a water pressure regulator and which end of the hose to put it
on...but that's another story...
See Ya
Mikeb