Camlocks: Opinions sought

Leonard_Smith_nz · #1 09-21-2005, 01:45 AM

All,

I've decided to go the 'camlock way' for my cowls. I notice that Aircraft Spruce has a product called:

'Vans RV cowling mounting kit' (04-00418/8)

Some questions:
1. Has anyone used their 'Complete kit'. Good value?
2. Which is better: Collard slotted or the Phillips style?
3. Another supplier that you could recommend?

Also, I would like to eventually paint the heads the same colour as the cowls. Am I asking for trouble (paint will 'chip' off too easily) or is a durable finish possible?

All opinions appreciated...

Regards,
Leonard
RV6 in New Zealand

rv8ch · #2 09-21-2005, 02:04 AM

I bought a kit from Skybolt.

(click on image for more details)

Best how-to I've found is from Jim Daniels:

http://home.comcast.net/~jwdweb2/Cowl1/cowl1.html

I think painting the heads would require some special work, since they are stainless steel. Kind of hard to paint, it seems. I bought the flat head. I've seen a lot of the philips heads that are pretty wallowed out. I'd *really* love to see someone come out with a torx head for these things.

RV7ator · #3 09-21-2005, 09:15 AM

I looked at kits and decided they were either not what I wanted, or the particular manufacturer's price was too high for the same functionality.

I used Camloc 4002-NS stainless "plus-flush" receptacles on the top cowl-to-firewall joint. They sit slightly proud of the cowl, but are vastly easier to install than the flush type which requires precise countersinking, and leaves little fiberglass bearing surface.
From three feet away, you'd never know they were not flush because the profile is very low. My -7 was RV of the Week, #22/2005. One pix shows them. All of the exposed fasteners, like tip and tank screws, are unpainted stainless. It's a "look" you may or may not like, but in conjuction with the stainless camlocs it's integrated.

Don't attempt to paint stainless steel and hope for it to last. Get cad plated if you must paint the fasteners, but the stud will eventually chip. Also, a slotted head screw is just a scratch waiting to happen. Go phillips head.

No swearing getting the top cowl off and on. No third degree burns. No cracked hinges. No regrets. Go Camlocs.

John Siebold
Boise, ID

kevinh · #4 09-21-2005, 10:00 AM

I bought the skybolt kit and was happy with it. If you go through their website they had a good RV discount...

sprucemoose · #5 09-21-2005, 10:49 AM

If you buy the complete kit from Skybolt directly (same one in Mickey's pic) they give a pretty good airshow discount during the major shows. They may be at some of the smaller shows too. This discount is good either at the show, or for phone/ web orders during the show.

I wouldn't trade my camlocs for anything. Go with the phillips head, the slotted are too easy to have the screwdriver strip. They do not require much torque to fasten or unfasten so stripping them out is not a problem.

Jeff Point
RV-6
Milwaukee

rv8ch · #6 09-21-2005, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff

...they give a pretty good airshow discount during the major shows. They may be at some of the smaller shows too.

I had heard this too, but they weren't at that little airshow down the road from you. I've seen them for the last two years at SNF, though.

Vern · #7 09-21-2005, 12:17 PM

see http://www.skybolt.com/

I installed the complete kit on my 6A cowl. They are easy and look great! Be sure to use Phillips heads to avoid slips and scratches.

RV7Guy · #8 09-21-2005, 05:20 PM

Interesting situation when I dealt with Skybolt. I had talked to them at Sun n' Fun and bought a few for my hinged baggage compartment door. I wanted to use them on my cowl but was not ready for them. I asked if I could get the show discount at a later date and they said it was no problem.

When I was ready I pulled up the web site and noticed a price of $413 for the RV7 kit. I called and talked to a woman and told her I wanted the set and advised her of my conversation at Sun n' Fun. She said that was fine and came back and said, "your total is $463.00." I told her, "I was told it was a 10% discount." She told me the price was $499 minus 10%. I said the web site showed $413. She told me the new price was $499 but she hadn't got around to updating the site yet but would honor the $412 price. I agreed and got the set.

I have checked the web site numerous times and it still shows the $413 price. My neighbor called and confirmed the price was $413. I kind of feel I was duped a little by them. I think it was just their way of not giving the announced discount from the airshow price. FYI, the price as of a few minutes ago still shows $413. I really hate paying full retail for anything!!!!

Darwin N. Barrie
Chandler AZ

sprucemoose · #9 09-21-2005, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV7Guy

I have checked the web site numerous times and it still shows the $413 price. My neighbor called and confirmed the price was $413. I kind of feel I was duped a little by them. I think it was just their way of not giving the announced discount from the airshow price. FYI, the price as of a few minutes ago still shows $413. I really hate paying full retail for anything!!!!

I had a similar situation a few years ago. Their web site had the Sun n Fun show special (at the time 30%, now it's like 10%) on well past SnF. I called and they said the deal was over since SnF was over, but they would honor the price since it was on the web site. They gave me the discount, and the website was changed within hours.

Even if you pay full price they are worth it, especially if you can borrow the tools from someone and save a few bucks!

Jeff Point

ericwolf · #10 09-21-2005, 10:15 PM

All,

I have also decided to install Skybolt camlocks when I get around to the cowl. I have seen many builders install camlocks around the firewall but use the conventional hinges to mate the top and bottom cowl. This seems to be a good hybrid of the two methods.

For those who have camlocks, which did you chose (full cams or hybrid) and would you do it again?

Thanks