Reproduction, improved SHO LX console latch.

[Galane]

I've attached a photo of the first casting of a reproduction console lid latch for the 3rd gen Taurus SHO and LX.

I made the downward turned part thicker and as wide as possible, plus made the bottom of the hook smoothly curved so it latches easily.

Why do this? Because this part is apparently 100% pure unobtainium in unbroken condition.

[Bull Geek]

Dude how did you do that? Awesome. Want to sell 1? My 97 SHO has that part busted on the console.

[Galane]

I was figuring on seeing if I could sell some. Don't know how much they'll cost to make yet.

I had to use clear 202 resin with a bunch of blue and black dye for this one instead of the black onyx resin. (Had a bit left from another project but it sat around too long and went bad.)

If there's enough interest I can get more black resin and do a run of them. I make reproduction plastic parts, mostly for 1948 through 1957 Hudson, some pre-WW2 Nash and some parts for 1960's Buick and Cadillac.

I'm pretty sure only the SHO and LX of the 3rd gen Taurus used this console lid latch, or about 10% of production. Probably why Dorman never made a replacement in their Help! product line.

Which Sable models used this latch?

[sheila]

Iirc, all gen3s with floor shift use that console with the latch assy. I've grabbed countless latches over the years with my torx driver at the self service salvage yard.

[Galane]

There's at least three different console setups used with the floor shift on the 3rd gen.

This latch is used on the one where the console blends into the dash.

[Galane]

I'm going to sell some. How does $20 sound?

Note that the catch has been made wider and thicker and the bottom side shaped so it latches real easy. Superior to the original design.

[Bull Geek]

Have any other pictures of it?

[Galane]

Two more pics. One of it on a white surface, the other is the console used in the SHO and LX Taurus. (My 97 LX.)

Which models of Sable used that console? I found *one* Sable in a yard within 75 miles of me that had this console, and the lid was gone.

[sheila]

I've got a 98 Sable LS and 2 99 Taurus SE(s) with that console and latch assembly.

[QuinnSHO]

Pardon noobish. I'm somewhat confussed. Thats the part you push in and the console comes up. I've seen some that dont latch down, and some the entire top (like my old sho) came right off. This is improved? How so?

And I like the fact you can make molds. I may take you up on some things sometime! What is that material? ABS? What materials can you do?