The International Cessna^® 170 Association

Has anyone ever replaced the over center style window latches with th later 172 latches?
The ones on 95D are pretty bad and the 172's look like a better design.
I don't want to discuss the pros and cons of each, only asking if someone has done the swap.
Thanks

I've seen airplanes with the latches changed out. Not sure of the entire door was replaced, or if the latch was. I think the latter, because the airplane I'm most familiar with doesn't have the slide that holds the window in place, so it flops about.

I guess you don't feel like doling out $600 for a new set of latches?

Yeah, the old latches are too expensive and they are slightly akward with 172 seats.
They constantly pop open or drop closed with the slightest bump. Pita


I could fix the old ones, I could put a removable pin in the old ones, I could do a lot of things with the old ones.
Buy the 172 latches just look better all round to me.

Ryan Smith wrote:I've seen airplanes with the latches changed out. Not sure of the entire door was replaced, or if the latch was. I think the latter, because the airplane I'm most familiar with doesn't have the slide that holds the window in place, so it flops about.

I guess you don't feel like doling out $600 for a new set of latches?

Bob Coats has the new style latches on his Windows. These were installed on his original doors. Unfortunately his is not on the forum.

The previous owner of my airplane replaced the pilots side window latch with the newer style. As you said, it works a lot better with later-model seats.

Niagara Air Parts offers these for $196. They also show that they are on the "eligibility list" for the C-170 -- in Canada at least. Could one of our Canadian members educate me on your "Parts Design Approval"? Is that the same as the FAA's PMA? It's different than an STC right? Would you need an STC to install this latch in Canada or would it be a direct replacement? I'm guessing the latch would be a lot cheaper at a salvage yard. Here's some part numbers from the '63-'74 C-172 IPC for those inclined to go the field approval or blueldr approval -- i.e. minor alteration -- route.

Yes! That's what I was looking at.
Would be much easier in a salvage yard and I know of a few downer planes around.
There are several designs so I'd have to be sure that it works with our doors and windows.

Hmm easy STC to get pushed thru and make it easier for the next guy?
I'd be willing to do the legwork if someone knows the STC process real well and then donate it to the association.
Just thoughts, I'm a ways before working on the doors.

bagarre wrote:Yes! That's what I was looking at.
Would be much easier in a salvage yard and I know of a few downer planes around.
There are several designs so I'd have to be sure that it works with our doors and windows.

Hmm easy STC to get pushed thru and make it easier for the next guy?
I'd be willing to do the legwork if someone knows the STC process real well and then donate it to the association.
Just thoughts, I'm a ways before working on the doors.

There is also a spring and arm assembly installed in the forward door window frame that holds the window open when unlatched.

PMA part would come with a 8130, a PDA part would come with a form one. The same thing but different but the same thing.
Which is a paper trail that the part has undergone an approval process and has been approved to be used on an aircraft. Any aircraft? No just the types listed in the approval.
Which would be in contrast to acquiring door handles from a Chevy that are the same, fit the same and made by the same manufacturer as the original fitted to the plane when new from Cessna. Difference in those parts would be no paper and the price but just as good since no one would know. Same applies for the knock off door handles for the Chevy.
Just wished Cessna had used Chevy door hinges. O. K. I'll stop.
Also IMHO this is a part is not an airworthiness item. So I wouldn't lose sleep over it, if your FAA says what up? You've got the paper.
In contrast an airworthiness item would need an STC or 337 to cover the install.