Oil Door hidden latch

Erik Westlund · #1 09-08-2009, 09:47 PM

Here's some pics of our oil door latch system.
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cropdusterengineer · #2 09-09-2009, 01:32 PM

Does it spring open? Or do you just use your fingernail to pull it up?

I like neat, trick stuff on airplanes!

CDE

N8RV · #3 09-09-2009, 01:54 PM

I've considered getting rid of my Camlocs and using a hidden latch system. However, I had planned to insert the hinge pin from the baggage compartment, and have the pin retainer in there (RV-8).

While that would necessitate having to unlock the baggage compartment whenever I wanted to open the oil door, it also means that I don't have to stick my hand into a HOT cowl inlet to reach the pin. As clumsy as I am sometimes, I think that's a good trade.

Pilottonny · #4 09-09-2009, 02:27 PM

I like the idea: simple and cheap.

I guess it can not "spring"-open. How would you be able to lock it?: One hand holding the door closed and the other hand pusching the hinge-wire in, through the air-inlet? I have not tried to simulate this, but I think they are a bit far appart??!

Regards, Tonny.

N941WR · #5 09-09-2009, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilottonny

I like the idea: simple and cheap.

I guess it can not "spring"-open. How would you be able to lock it?: One hand holding the door closed and the other hand pusching the hinge-wire in, through the air-inlet? I have not tried to simulate this, but I think they are a bit far appart??!

Regards, Tonny.

Oh, but those hidden hinges do spring open.

I like this idea and may use it on my new cowling. Thanks for posting.

Darn it, I can't use it with the Sam James cowl as there is no access to the wire.

MrNomad · #6 09-09-2009, 04:48 PM

Erik:

It is obvious you are trying to do a great job. Very nice work!

I did something similar and it looks great after paint too.

After 170 hours of unbelievable flying heaven, I'm glad we designed my door to close positively and firmly else the normal vibration would have chipped the edges of the paint over time if the door was not very secure.

Nice work.

Barry
Tucson

Erik Westlund · #7 09-09-2009, 04:50 PM

yes it is a spring loaded hinge. not too far to hold down and pull or push the rod. thanks for the compliments dad and i are pretty proud of it

.
happy building
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frankh · #8 09-09-2009, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N941WR

Oh, but those hidden hinges do spring open.

I like this idea and may use it on my new cowling. Thanks for posting.

Darn it, I can't use it with the Sam James cowl as there is no access to the wire.

This is MY idea...I know it must be cus its been flying for two years this way...

I have a SJ cowl and a tip up canopy..I took the brake tube and routed it such the closed canopy keeps the wire in place.I.e it goes back into the cockpit.

Open the canopy reach round and pull the wire out.

Works great.

Frank

db8 · #9 09-11-2009, 05:59 AM

Did you make a small wire spring for the hinge so it would be spring loaded? Do you have a detailed picture? Thanks for sharing this idea. Dave

N941WR · #10 09-11-2009, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by db8

Did you make a small wire spring for the hinge so it would be spring loaded? Do you have a detailed picture? Thanks for sharing this idea. Dave

The spring comes with the hinge. It is a simple coil spring with two legs and slides over the hinge pin.