The International Cessna^® 170 Association

do you have a safety installed? What?

I've seen a screw installed as to stick out thru the lever to place a nut on.
I've seen a pin thru the lever.

how have you made the lever stay locked?

Mine have a camloc to hold them in place.

Our 170 had a U-shaped channel that one stuck a cotter pin through. It doesn't require tools, is relatively low-profile, but it is something to lose or break once you need to open the cowling. The Dip Davis latch mod seems pretty interesting and eliminates the original style latch altogether.

I'm sorry I don't have a better picture. I can see if I can get a few if this method interests you enough to warrant pursuit.

Tom

There are a few methods. Here is a thread that shows a close up of the U bracket pin method and a variation of that I did on my plane using Phillister heat screws. Dip Davis are also pictured. http://www.cessna170.org/forums/viewtop ... 24&t=10802

Personally I don't like the Dip Davis look. I also don't like having to have a screw driver in hand to open the cowl as required by the dzus and Dip method. I once tried to figure out how to install the wing nut type dzus but couldn't come up with a size small enough to go through the latch yet long enough to work.

Yes I have dropped and lost at least one pin with the method I prefer and that is why I keep extras in the airplane.

Not an accusation against the Dip Davis system but I just saw one fail on my friends 120. The sheet metal tab that connects the top to bottom cowl sheared off. Luckily it was a rear latch!! Something to think about....