BC-12 Window Latch

[Levi]

Hello Tribe,

I am trying to find an over center window latch for my window. The one latch i have looks original, But I am unsure if the windows in a 1941 BC-12 even opened when the plane was manufactured or if it was added latter. I guess any thoughts on how to secure the window open/closed would help. Or if anyone has a latch kicking around they would like to sell...

Thanks
-Levi

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: BC-12 Window Latch

In 41 they opened out with a hinge at the top and an over center latch on the bottom made from metal (on the wood and the tube doors). They are fairly simple and you could bend one up from sheet metal and a vice in a couple of hours. If you are redoing the windows from a 41 check the wood door frames really well. The pieces of wood can break at the glue joints and the fastener holes will have worn over time. I rebuilt my wood doors and re-glued all of the joints and added strips of carbon fiber between the wood and the ply skins. Added almost no weight but made the doors a LOT stronger. I also re did all of the screw holes and put in "T" nuts so I could use machine screws instead of wood screws. You don't want to open the window and have it rip off in the slip stream, or worse yet have the hinge screws tear out and blow the door off.
If you have the tube doors, they use the same latch but the weak wood isn't a problem. All welds, screws and nuts on my 45. Really solid doors and very light. I think the wood doors "feel" better and sound much better when you close them and in flight, but then, I always liked wood.
If you need a pattern for the latch let me know.
Hank

[Levi]

Re: BC-12 Window Latch

The doors are welded tube. I could bend up a new latch using the original as a pattern, I like the idea of a latch that props the window open when it is hot out in the summer.
Levi

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: BC-12 Window Latch

I have flown the "sliders" and as far as I can see he flip up ones are better in every way except sticking your arm out. I wish there was a way to release the folding over center mechanism completely without having to take it apart since it would be nice to fold the window all the way up against the bottom of the wing. Yea, I know you just have to take the knob/bolt out, but then you can't latch it shut and the little washers tend to get lost.
Another thing I did was to put a little felt pad on the latch so it doesn't bang on the plexi and scratch it. Quick and easy.
Hank

[Larry Lyons]

Re: BC-12 Window Latch

My 41's doors are welded tube with aluminum skin and the fold out latch. If you need a pattern I could make one up as my doors are off standing up against the wall. L

[KewFlyer]

Re: BC-12 Window Latch

Does anyone have any "spare" [ or know where to find ] window latches knobs and the four screws & nuts that attaches the window to the door frame?. I have welded frame and fabric doors with a catch for lock. I have tried the local "Aero" hardware stores with no luck. Currently, the windows are off and winter (as we know it in VA) is just around the corner.
Thanks
Ralph
46 BC12-D 75
Warrenton VIrginia

[Larry Lyons]

Re: BC-12 Window Latch

I will have to loook at mine but here is a link to a place that will probably have the knob you need.

http://www.reidsupply.com/products/knobs-handles-hand-wheels/knobs/

Larry

[KewFlyer]

Re: BC-12 Window Latch

Thanks Larry:

I could not find a similar replacement. Since I still have the other door in original form, I will send them a picture with dimensions to see if they can provide a replacement.

Lesson learned: never misplace original parts..... keep them in a jar, can...dont loose the jar or can.....or worse over, forget where you placed the jar or can.

[Levi]

Re: BC-12 Window Latch

After work Im going to give it my best shot at bend up a latch on the brake. Hopefully I can get one to look original.

[flybikefarm]

Re: BC-12 Window Latch

Make two, I need one!!

[cvavon]

Re: BC-12 Window Latch

Hank my doors have the flip out windows the door is the tube door the windows have hitch pins threw the hinges and the center of the flip out latch pull the pins and put the window in baggage and fly on