Maintenance guy needs help

[wingnut]

I know someone here has seen the stainless protector plates that attach to the aft door frame/skin area. These plates are to protect the skin in the event the door latch is actuated and someone trys to slam the door, thus damaging the skin.
Does anyone know the source. I could make them, but would still like to know the source. Any leads would be appreciated. My Googling for Dummies book is no help.
And no, I didn't damage one. It's for a former State of Texas Forrest Service 207 that was apparently used for hauling longhorn cattle to sale.

[johneeb]

..................And no, I didn't damage one. It's for a former State of Texas Forrest Service 207 that was apparently used for hauling longhorn cattle to sale.

Del that sounds like one of George's early flying jobs. I don't know of a source of 207 strike plates, below is a picture of how I solved the problem (a little sheet metal brake work and an application of Mr. Dremel) when I converted to rotary latches on my 170.

Rotery Latch installation 031small.jpg

[GAHorn]

...Del that sounds like one of George's early flying jobs....

Ha! Good jab!

But I never flew the state's 207. That was based in College Station and operated by the state forestry service and maintained by locals over there. The pilot was also unknown to any of the "official" state pilots. I suspect he was a contractor to Texas A & M University who had an interest in the operation alongside their forestry school.

(The Aggies once kidnapped the Univ. of Texas mascot, BEVO...who is a Longhorn steer. Perhaps that's how the damage occured?)

In a related story of how "BEVO" got his name..... it is said that when the Aggies kidnapped the steer they'd also had a rare victory over the Univ. of Texas by a score of 13 - 0. The story goes that the rambunctious Aggies decided to embarras the UT boys by BRANDING the score on the entire side of the steer. There that steer stood, tied to a stake outside the UT stadium with "13 - 0" burnt into it's orange side. (The school colors for UT is "burnt orange".) When the steer was recovered ...in order to obliterate the obnoxious and embarrasing score branded on the steer's side....the poor cow had to undergo a SECOND BRANDING IRON experience which altered the 13- 0 to B E V O . And now you know the rest of the story.

[wingnut]

..................And no, I didn't damage one. It's for a former State of Texas Forrest Service 207 that was apparently used for hauling longhorn cattle to sale.

Del that sounds like one of George's early flying jobs. I don't know of a source of 207 strike plates, below is a picture of how I solved the problem (a little sheet metal brake work and an application of Mr. Dremel) when I converted to rotary latches on my 170.

Actually, the aftermarket "guard" plates I'm looking for will fit any model, well, 100/200 series.
I see in your picture, you made a simple flat plate to protect the skin. What I have seen before many times, but can't source, is basically the same as yours except has an 90 degree angle that turns in toward the latch. The length of that angle is approx 3/16" to 1/4", and may be a little taller than yours to accomodate different rivet pitches. The one's I've seen certainly look like an aftermarket (quality) part, rather than something made in the field.

Maybe this was one of those inventions that wake me at 2am, then I go through life thinking it's real?

[johneeb]

.........Actually, the aftermarket "guard" plates I'm looking for will fit any model, well, 100/200 series.
I see in your picture, you made a simple flat plate to protect the skin. What I have seen before many times, but can't source, is basically the same as yours except has an 90 degree angle that turns in toward the latch. The length of that angle is approx 3/16" to 1/4", and may be a little taller than yours to accomodate different rivet pitches. The one's I've seen certainly look like an aftermarket (quality) part, rather than something made in the field.

Maybe this was one of those inventions that wake me at 2am, then I go through life thinking it's real?

Del, I did consider a few alternatives similar to the plate with a 90 degree bend (even considered using a plate that was all in one) but decided against using any of them as my doors fit so well and would have required trimming their trailing edges to allow clearance to the added strike plate. Another consideration that concerned me was the 90 degree bent plate would restrict the amount of latch bar that sticks out of the door and that would lessen the amount of the latch bar available to engage the rotary latch.

[DaveF]

Del,

Back in 2000 I got some literature on stainless striker plates from an outfit in South St. Paul, MN, called Lake & Air. At that time the plates cost about $25 each.

Dave

[Kyle]

Hi Del,

Yup, in 1998, I had purchased a set from the same company (Lake & Air) for my 182, they worked slick... Not sure if they are still offered.

Best wishes,

Kyle