Replace Wildernest Latches
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Over 30+ years the latches on my Wildernest Truck Camper started to die. Finally last week the lock loop popped off.
This is how I replaced the old worn out latches with Brand New high-quality latches from Amazon.
Latches available Here: http://a.co/d/f6Ucqel
Drill Out All the Rivets
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Since this is a direct replacement all you need is the correct drillbit.
WARNING: the factory rivets have steel stems. this made drilling them out particularly tricky. take your time and use a punch to drive the stem in if you get off center.
I broke one drill bit when i was doing this because I didn't realise the rivet stems were steel.
Compare Your Pieces
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I double checked that all the holes on the old pieces lined up with the new ones.
Rivet on the New Latches
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I used Aluminum stem rivets from Harbor Freight and I also used this rivet gun.
This Rivet gun sucks but with a little oil it works okay for this Job.
you can buy the rivet gun here: https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/hand-rive...
All Done!
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This whole replacement Job took me about 20 minutes and Boy am I impressed with the quality of the new latches!!!
The second photo here is the packaging that the new latches came in!
I am going to go back and put a little dab of siliconcarne in each of the rivet holes just to make sure they dont leak but that's about it!