Odd find, hatch latch with 4 mounting bolts

[1rippen6]

I was removing a hatch latch and realized it had 4 mounting bolts so I'm wondering if it was a year thing like maybe 69? I also noticed the rod had dimples in it for lack of better terminology. I removed the hatch from a single wall top but it's the only one I've ever seen with 4 mounting bolts. I've removed the mounting plates from the inside of the hatches before to replace and the ones with 3 mounting holes only have 3 nuts.

[DeadheadNM]

Dwayne thanks for making time to post - that's really interesting. Any idea if that orange paint is OEM or if there is any white OEM paint underneath? I believe the inside portions of the hatch received paint for 69.

[1rippen6]

I'm not sure, I'll take a closer look when I pull it back out. I think I sold the top it was on but will look at it also if it's still here.

[aotte1]

That looks similar to a 1966 Suburban clam shell latch. Will post photo of it.

Les

[aotte1]

FYI
The 66’ Suburban barn door latch, photo below.

Dwayne, the 66’ pieces have some similar characteristics. What do 67 to 72’ Suburban latches look like?
Interesting question. 69 model year is a good thought, considering evolution of previous latches GM used.

Les

[1968k20]

Looks like 67-72 suburban hatch latch

[Jesse B.]

My 1969 hatch latches have four bolts. It is possible it is the original hatch.

[1rippen6]

Originally Posted by Jesse B.

My 1969 hatch latches have four bolts. It is possible it is the original hatch.

Post some pictures when you get a chance.

[Jesse B.]

Originally Posted by 1rippen6

Post some pictures when you get a chance.

Here is a pic of my latch. It is not just a three hole latch with an extra hole. The location of the holes are different.

[1rippen6]

I didn't realize that good to know.

[1rippen6]

So I pulled all my hatches out today and actually found a second one with 4 bolts.

[DeadheadNM]

Maybe a 69 thing? If that second one has factory paint other than white it would support a 69 MY piece.

[jlmerie]

On a slightly different tangent, I was looking at a pair of brackets that are used to cover the hatch latch bolt(s). One from each side of the hatch. While looking at them, I was shocked to see how different the size was from one to the other. I am virtually certain these were removed from the same hatch and were original at that time. Why one would be that much wider is a mystery to me. Trying to find other pictures of these "covers" I find that most of them are the same width, but a few are different. I tried to get a good picture of the open side, and there does not appear to be any obvious signs of cutting. Any ideas what is going on here?

[1rippen6]

As far as I know, they are all like that.

[1rippen6]

It may have something to do with this. Just noticed the other day the top 2 holes are offset from side to side.

[DeadheadNM]

I wonder if the offset has something to do with the struts that span the handle to the latches - one sits higher than the other inside the hatch if I recall.

[1rippen6]

If you look at post #11 the plate on the latch is on top on one side and at the bottom of the other side. Guessing that would position the latch plate in the middle of the catch.