Tip: Hidden Hinge Oil Door

[N62XS]

George:

Link does not work.

Originally Posted by gmcjetpilot

Nice, but no offense, $200 is a bit steep (that's Lancair money). There is an easier way to have a hidden latch. Use some spare piano hinge and wire. Lighter, cheaper (free if you have spare hinge) and looks great. (Stole idea from RV featured in EAA Sport Aviation). Cheers George

(SEE LINK BELOW FOR $1.50 HIDDEN LATCH IDEA)
http://us.f1f.yahoofs.com/bc/428f57b...i_4kCB05yE3D4A

[mark manda]

I'm on my third iteration. That spot of different fiberglass on the top cowl that looks perfect for a pull hinge spot isn't. Baffling goes right there.

Gorilla glue didn't work too well holding my tube in place. etc etc. $200 versus two mos. hum. that's cheap, I knew a lancair guy probably had it figured out. along with the glassair III at OSH in 2003 on display.

[Aviax, Inc.]

Don't be fooled, other less expensive hinges are sloppy with too much play. Spring loaded hinge swings door open automatically after pulling release handle.

Here are some pictures of the hidden oil door latch kit installed on an RV-7 cowling. The kit comes assembled and ready to gule on with its included mounting hardware.











Thank you Doug for the photo link help!
Aaron Brook

[Rick S.]

After 4 hours and an oil door and cowl that looks like swiss cheese, now curing epoxy and flox, I can not get the hidden hinge to operate properly. Can all those who have made it work shed some light into this geometric puzzel? I have premade hinges from McMaster Carr...even went an fabricated one like Randy's F1 rocket...the door still binds or does not move up and out of the pocket...I tried moving the hinge line inwards...outwards...made the seat smaller...I know I'm missing that one little thing that will make this work..

[Sam Buchanan]

Here is another option for those who want to try a hidden hinge:

http://www.thervjournal.com/hidden_hinge.htm

Mine was a retro-fit but you could use this hinge for a slick new installation.

[frankh]

Except my latch hinge pin is pulled out from behind the TU open canopy rail.

Its less of a reach and the closed canopy frame prevents the hinge pin from sliding out.

Frank