Info needed

[twlifto]

I am looking for an easy, economical, durable door latch to hold my 1946 BC12D doors opened. Is there some kind of door latch to put on struts? I'm new to the Foundation and would appreciate any input. Thanks.

[Marv]

Re: Info needed

Yes there is Forrest Barber proably has them. If not he can tell you where to get them. If he doesnt Dead reckoning probaly does. Marv

[jgerard]

Re: Info needed

I keep a short, light weight bungee cord in the plane to hold the door open while loading. I wrap one end around the front strut and back on to its self. The other end is hooked into the lower corner of the door to hold it open. The bungee cord is short enough that it must be stretched just a little to reach the corner of the door. I would avoid any device that requires drilling holes in the strut.

[Karl Rigdon]

Re: Info needed

Due to the fact that both doors will open against the engine cowling you can use a cord or bungee cord across the base of the windshield to hold both doors open. As the door passes over the strut a latch on the strut and door would be difficult. If apperance is not a problem velcro on the door and the engine cowling would hold the door open.
I use a bungee between the doors when I have to work inside.

karl

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Info needed

There is a standard catch that goes on with a band around the strut; BUT that keeps you from opening the door clear around to the firewall. I don't use them as the doors are so light. the other suggestions are good. I think they are the "Skycatch" maybe?

[VictorBravo]

Re: Info needed

You could make up a little "prop rod" that attaches to the top of the door and hooks onto a piece of Velcro on the upper door frame....

[M Towsley]

Re: Info needed

Your are right Forrest, it is Skycatch. Nice people. Got one for my L-2.

[twlifto]

Re: Info needed

Thanks for the info. I am not familiar with "Skycatch". Is this a web site? I tried "Skycatch.com" but nothing. Thank you.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Info needed

Your are right Forrest, it is Skycatch. Nice people. Got one for my L-2.

Have you mounted it yet? I have had strut flutter problems with a catch on the L-2M strut so I removed it.

Mike

[jCandlish]

Re: Info needed

I use a length of cord with a small loop at each end, long enough to fix one loop over the primer knob on the far left of the panel, then holding the left side door open over the boot cowl in front of the gas tank then holding the right door open, then with the other loop fixed over the cabin heat knob on the far right side of the panel.

When I just want to hold the right side door open for propping I take the cord around the gas cap and back in the right side.

The has the advantage of not attaching anything to the airplane, and being able to take loose from inside with the engine running.

I hope to escape from the Dayton area weather tomorrow, and continue west. I saw 400+fpm at 10K last week while the weather was ok.

Rgds
jCandlish
.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Info needed

That is called the "Taylorcraft string" a lot of us use that on the doors. Keep us advised of your journey. How did the rigging go?

[jCandlish]

Re: Info needed

Fly's good hands off with a passenger, otherwise I have to lift the left wing a little.

Spent the bad weather time tightening up the baffling so that it seals nice against the nose bowl.

Would like to visit 2D1 but its in the wrong direction for this time of year. My recollections of Ohio weather have been too rosey.

Rgds
jCandlish
.

[Jim Hartley]

Re: Info needed

I am looking for an easy, economical, durable door latch to hold my 1946 BC12D doors opened. Is there some kind of door latch to put on struts? I'm new to the Foundation and would appreciate any input. Thanks.

Chicken heads work very well. Push the door against the cowl and the spring loaded latch grabs the door frame. Drill a couple of holes and anchor with rivits...

Jim

[Pearson]

Get a doohicky!!!

There is a doohicky that goes over the top of a door in your house. It has a hook so that you can then hang clothes on it. The part that goes over the door will fit perfectly under the bottom of a Taylorcraft door. The hook part where you hang your clothes fits the strut.