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RV-8 Canopy Lock
- Thread starter Webb
- Start date
When I got the key lock for the forward baggage compartment, it came with two sets of locks and keys so I repurposed the second one as a canopy lock. Nothing fancy and it's certainly not going to stop anyone from breaking into the aircraft. I still have mixed feelings about it when I consider the work that went into the canopy. Would I rather they just steal my avionics and not break the canopy or would I rather they break the canopy and steal my avionics anyway? Catch 22.
I mounted a square aluminum block on the side rail and you can see how the locking lever comes down in front of the block.
I mounted a square aluminum block on the side rail and you can see how the locking lever comes down in front of the block.
Attachments
John RV8
Well Known Member
I did mine similar to Carlos151, but used aluminum angle instead of blocks. I also added a second stop a few inches aft of the fully closed lock so I could lock it with the canopy open about three inches. It helps keep the interior a little bit cooler on a hot ramp while I have my $150 hamburger 
Another idea is to design your instrument panel so that you can quickly remove most of your $$$ avionics and throw them in your flight bag when forced to leave your plane on the ramp when staying overnight away from home. They can't steal them if they are in the motel room with you! Not much need to lock the canopy if the avionics are not there.
Jctym
Member
I just bought an RV7 and would like to have a sliding canopy lock. Is that what you have, and if so do you know where I could get one? Thank you very much.
Ron RV8
Well Known Member
A friend of mine made a few of these a number of years ago.
You could try contacting him and see if he still has some...
Joe Dalbertanson 250 eight six two 6010 or [email protected]
The padlock is not included...
You could try contacting him and see if he still has some...
Joe Dalbertanson 250 eight six two 6010 or [email protected]
The padlock is not included...
Attachments
Jctym
Member
Thank you. I'll try.
Or there’s this from Flyboy Accessories;
flyboyaccessories.com
Out of stock, but they’ll make more I suppose? I have one of these, like it.
Lock for Sliding Canopy
Darrell Reiley's popular, tidy, and easy-to-use sliding canopy lock.Features: CNC machined aluminum housing Easy to use. Simply slide up the canopy track, install pin, and lock Can be secured in various locations by adding extra pin holes Canopy can be locked in fully closed or slightly open...
flyboyaccessories.com
Out of stock, but they’ll make more I suppose? I have one of these, like it.
I went with this canopy lock. It works great.
Great people to deal with also.
pkg.net.au
Great people to deal with also.
3D resin-printed sliding canopy lock with SS lock bolt (ea)
Available to order imprinted with your aircraft registration (blank by default), these 3D resin-printed canopy lock blocks are tough, UV resistant and slide smoothly along the canopy rail without jamming. Features a stainless steel locking bolt with a 4mm pin at the bottom to correspond with one...
pkg.net.au
Prepperpilot
Well Known Member
Just ordered one myself. Shipping from Australia. He shipped fast. Hope it wont sit in customs for months.I went with this canopy lock. It works great.
Great people to deal with also.
3D resin-printed sliding canopy lock with SS lock bolt (ea)
Available to order imprinted with your aircraft registration (blank by default), these 3D resin-printed canopy lock blocks are tough, UV resistant and slide smoothly along the canopy rail without jamming. Features a stainless steel locking bolt with a 4mm pin at the bottom to correspond with one...
jacknife
Member
Where did you order this from, I can’t find a website for Rod Bower Aviation
Jctym
Member
I bought a different one from a fellow in Canada. He makes them. It works great, the padlock isn't included. You can email him.
Joe D'Albertanson [email protected]
I'm sorry, I don't have a photo of it and it's at the hangar while I'm at home.
Best of luck,
Jim
Joe D'Albertanson [email protected]
I'm sorry, I don't have a photo of it and it's at the hangar while I'm at home.
Best of luck,
Jim
Ron RV8
Well Known Member
More info in this thread...
canopy+lock
Sliding Canopy Lock
Shortly after completing our -8, I fabricated this canopy lock from bar stock. It has served me well for 3 years. Last fall another -8 owner noticed my lock and asked if my machinist friend might turn him a "screw" so he could build one. My friend, Joe D'Albertanson said "sure, but why...
www.vansairforce.com
I wasn't a fan of putting a lock in the fibreglass skirt so I purchased the rail lock from Joe D'Albertanson ( [email protected]). Simple and it will keep the uncommitted ones out. Anyone that wants to get in badly enough will get in no matter what you do.
