Guitar case latch replacement?

[audiodrome]

I just found some replacement latches for my old Rickenbacker guitar case on eBay. How does one actually go about replacing them? Do I just pry the old latch off and pop the new one on using the original holes? What kind of tools do I need to replace the rivets?

[audiodrome]

Anyone?

[docgorpon]

I had a similar question that never got answered. I have a generic tweed case with a broken latch. Can you buy a replacement?

[John Coloccia]

I've never replaced latches on a guitar case, but I HAVE done a LOT of metal/rivetting work. I'm guessing it's held on with blind rivets (i.e. "pop" rivets). Pop rivets (any rivet, actually) can be drilled out. Pop rivets are a bit of a pain because they'll start spinning when you drill them, sometimes. Anyhow, center punch the head if you have to, and drill a hole about half as small as the head of the rivet. You don't want to drill into the side of the hole and elongate it! You just want to weaken the head. Then stick a punch in the hole top of the head and snap the head off the rivet. Then you can use a punch and knock the rivet out the other side.

Don't try to pry it off...you'll probably damage the hole and it won't hold a rivet well anymore.

As far as replacement rivets, if it was originally held with blind rivets, just pick up a cheap pop rivet set from Home Depot. If the rivets are solid, or peened on, you can find those online. Some you can just whack with a small hammer. Others you need to squeeze or use a rivet gun (they were probably squeezed...a rivet gun would be difficult to handle without destorying the case). You may have luck getting your local shoe/leather guy to rivet it back on if it's that style.

[John Coloccia]

I just saw the picture, by the way. Definately NOT blind rivets. They'll drill out easier but you'll have a hard time setting new rivets without some reasonable tools. Where do you live? I know fellow experimental aircraft builders in several states. If you happen to be close to me or one of my buddies, one of us could squeeze those rivets on no problem.

[audiodrome]

Thanks for the info! I live in the Boston area and after talking to a few other people about this, I think I might be better off just bringing it to a luggage repair shop. Here is a picture of the latch set:

[Blues Fuse]

Take it to a luggage repair shop. They should be able to repair it for you.

[TBIRD Phil]

It's pretty easy to replace the broken latch on your case, I recently did it to one of my fender cases. the rivets are like an old style clothes pin. you can cut the old ones out from the back side with some angle wire cutters. when you put the new one on you just stick the rivet in the hole and from the inside of the case you start to open up the rivet with a screwdriver. just keep working it till you have all the slack out. Cut off the excess metal when you have the rivet nice and tight. Pretty simple job that shouldn't take too long.