Broken Latch on Case

az4stringer · Post by **az4stringer** » Thu Sep 27, 2001 5:46 pm

Hi Everyone:

I accidently stepped on a latch on my 4003 case and broke it.(DOH!!) Does anyone know if Rickenbacker sells replacement latches? If so, what's involved in replacing one?

Thanks everyone in advance for any information. This is an awesome forum

markthemd · Post by **markthemd** » Fri Sep 28, 2001 1:36 pm

Do you have the molded case or the Vintage style?

They have different latches and hinges etc.

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Fri Sep 28, 2001 4:45 pm

The latches on the molded cases can be changed relatively easily and are available free to the registered owner of an instrument. The chrome on these has varied quite a bit over time, so you might have to accept some variation between units.

The latches on a vintage reissue case are much more difficult to replace and there are several different types as well. For these, you're best to have a luggage repair shop take care of this.

markthemd · Post by **markthemd** » Fri Sep 28, 2001 6:19 pm

I have several types of latches for cases

I always have the Fender type /flip
and the typical Gibson /Excelsior latches

Luggage shops are know to carry these as well .

Call any large hotel for a good source for luggage repair or look in the 'YellowPages' directory.

az4stringer · Post by **az4stringer** » Fri Sep 28, 2001 7:49 pm

I believe I may have the molded style case as I purchased the 4003 just over a year ago. I don't mind if there is any variations of the chrome between the units. Since I'm the registered owner, I'll give Rickenbacker a call on Monday to get a replacement.

Mr. Hall and Mr. Arnquist, thank you again for all your help.

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Mon Oct 01, 2001 1:22 pm

I think this might point people in the right direction:

Luggage Repair Association

since it features a search engine for repair shops.

az4stringer · Post by **az4stringer** » Fri Oct 05, 2001 5:34 am

I contacted Rickenbacker on Monday. I received a confirmation e-mail from the Service Department later in the day informing me that the replacement latch is on its way

Thank you again for your help and the excellent customer service Rickenbacker provides.

az4stringer · Post by **az4stringer** » Thu Oct 11, 2001 7:42 am

Update:

I received the replacement latch for the molded style 4003 case from Rickenbacker. Installation of the replacement latch took approximately 5 minutes. The only "difficult" part was carefully moving the padding out of the way to get to the two mounting screws.

Thanks again Rickenbacker for excellent customer service