hood latch screws

[Cory Moffat]

Another question for the experts. What type of screw head was originally used on the screws to hold the hood latch to the fender. I would think it was a Slot type. however it may have been Robertson. I don't think they would have used Phillips. Do you guys know?


Also I see on the adjusters and the rear axle there are four 1/2-13 Flexloc nuts. I would like to find some in stainless.
Any ideas where to find them? Thanks in advance Cory.

[Barrie2777]

I took a stroll through the " bone yard " of my machines to try to determine the answer to your question however the hood latch and front decking is a weakness for most HUS-SKIs. Of the machine I checked either the decking was missing or the latch was missing or the bolts holding the latch were obviously replaced. One machine had what I concidered to have one original bolt and it was a slot type. I always go for the slot screws because they " look" right for a machine of this vintage.

[Cory Moffat]

I figured it was a weak spot as the old fender had been cracked then welded and the latch was also welded in place.

I will put a backing plate in place to try to strengthen my new fender with slot head screws.
Thanks Barrie.

[fap67]

Are you asking about a 444 as in your avatar? On all the 444's that I have, there is 2 studs spot welded to the fender with nuts holding on the latch. These are the same kind of studs that hold the headlight in place, they are flattened on one end and bent on a 90 degree angle. The flattened part is under the fender and spot welded. Some of mine do have screws with nuts holding the latch on, but you can see the broken off stud and the flat part is still on the underneath side of the fender.

[Cory Moffat]

Yes the 444 in my avatar is the one. So I went out and on closer inspection of the old fender I see the left overs of those studs you talk of. I also see that the chain cover was held down by the same type stud as one of those are still there.

So the nuts go on top where you can see them

Thanks again!

PS. I found the nuts I asked for http://www.mcmaster.com/#flexloc-nuts/=hf8hjt

[fap67]

One other thing on the nuts that go on the studs for the hood latch etc. They are taller than a normal nut, I've only been able to find these taller series nuts in 1/4" and bigger, not in machine screw sizes. I'm not that critical in originality, but some people are and the with the taller ones, there is less chance of a socket or wrench slipping. In a previous post, Barrie has these studs available, here is a link. viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1163

[Barrie2777]

I have never seen those studs holding the latch. I would have guessed at the spot welded nut under the decking with a machine screw in from the top as an original arrangement. They would be the same spot welded nuts used on the chaincase cover.

Yes, I have those studs. I just sent your other package Cory so I'll send a few studs in an envelope if you want them.

[Cory Moffat]

Hold off on the studs for now Barrie. b I need to make up another order shortly.

[fap67]

I took some pics of an old fender that I have.