NB Roof latch repair

[eliandi]

Seems like my NB's roof latches are worn and do not stay latched, a common issue per Miata.net. Have any of you repaired your latches, and any pointers? There are two procedures on Miata.net, one that involves fileing and one that involves tapping a hole and inserting a small screw to hold the latch. Any thoughts on the effectiveness of either solution?

Or another proposed solution appears to be finding a junkyard NA and using those latches, which evidently do not have the same issue. Correct?

[sammm]

Have you tried adjusting the threaded rod inside the latch first?

[eliandi]

Not yet, was doing my research before messing with it. Was going to work on it this weekend. Never saw a threaded rod mentioned in the threads I found.

[cwisenheimer]

One of mine wouldn't stay latched. I ended up using JB Weld to add some material where the latch had worn and was no longer catching the "press-to-unlock" button. It's barely noticeable and it works like a champ. My problem wasn't an adjustment problem though. It was a wear problem.

[maan1986]

One of mine wouldn't stay latched. I ended up using JB Weld to add some material where the latch had worn and was no longer catching the "press-to-unlock" button. It's barely noticeable and it works like a champ. My problem wasn't an adjustment problem though. It was a wear problem.

How has the jb weld held up?

[eliandi]

I think mine is a wear problem too. The release looks like thecatch has worn down.

[black roadster]

Typical NB latch issue.

Options:

Swap older NA latched in place.
File method - I've had very little success with this one.
Screw method - never tried it.
JB Weld - First I've heard of it.

[cwisenheimer]

How has the jb weld held up?

Works like a champ. I scuffed the surface first and masked the area around it since JB Weld slop doesn't really clean up well. I laid a smooth bead along the rear edge of the main latch lever so it would catch the "unlock" button. It ended up being just right, but if it was too much I could have filed it down. Too little, just do it again and add more. You do have to let it cure for 24 hours or so before you really use it. If I was really picky, I might have even painted it black to match. As it is, I'm probably the only person to notice it.

[eliandi]

I think I will try the JB weld method. Thanks for the tips.

If it doesn't work, I file I off and either try the screw or start calling junk yards for NA latches.

[Jiggerachi]

There's a writeup on Miata.net on the screw method if you hunt around for it.