Re: seat back

Posted by HH56 On 2012/10/2 9:46:26

Brian, thanks.

As mentioned, ball studs of various types & sizes are available from many places. So far, have found the spring catch piece only from a couple and those are manufacturing sites where quantity is the key word -- as in how many hundred or thousand would you like to buy. I know there was an ordinary cabinet door catch in years past that was of similar construction. IIRC, the spring catch was mounted in a plastic piece for attaching to a shelf. So far I haven't found it.

Max doesn't list any of the Packard pieces but since they do break as you have confirmed, then not sure I want to waste the time - authentic or not. The tiny little catch arms are very flimsy and undoubted break even on cabinets. Maybe that's why they seem to have disappeared.

Am seriously leaning toward trying cylindrical rare earth magnets. One site has many in varying sizes and strengths. Thinking with a drill and a bit of hidden work, one size in particular could fit down inside the hole in that rubber bumper and pull against a corresponding one in the upper hinge half. Specs claim 9lb pull for the one I'm thinking of trying. If it doesn't work I'm no worse off and the attempt won't be noticeable.