Bayonet/Clutch door latches

[minton]

Can my "Stock" 170B door be modified to the Bayonet/Clutch style without butchering the inner door frame or am I better of going for a newer door with that style latch? If a newer door is advised what cessna model and years am I to search for? Door opening (size) the same and the hinge issue being considered.

[Brad Brady]

Can my "Stock" 170B door be modified to the Bayonet/Clutch style without butchering the inner door frame or am I better of going for a newer door with that style latch? If a newer door is advised what cessna model and years am I to search for? Door opening (size) the same and the hinge issue being considered.

A new door may, or may not fit well. A 150 style latch can be put into your door and door post with minimal invasion...

[DaveF]

What year 150? Is an inside handle modificaton required?

[Brad Brady]

What year 150? Is an inside handle modificaton required?

Dave,
Sorry to be so evasive on the last post......But it has been 15-20 years since I installed that type of door latch. As I remember the first one we did was kinda a butcher job......but the second was cut to fit. I remember that we used a 150 latch, so I got out my 70-76 parts book and found that a 150 above serial number 74080 or any 152 latch will work. The part numbers for a 150 are 0413387-3 LH and 0413387-6 RH It's not an R&R job, new holes have to be drilled and old holes filled....Again as I remember counter sunk back flattened rivets worked well to fill holes.It's not a job for the faint of heart but it is a job that can be done by any owner. As I recall the only mods that need to be made are internal, (shortening or lengthen push-pull stuff)......Brad

[DaveF]

Brad,

Thanks for the info. I'll read up on those parts.

The problem I'm looking to solve is the need to slam the door to get it to latch when closing from the inside. From the outside it'll click shut with a modest push, but from the inside it takes momentum, and I hate doing that to any piece of machinery. Maybe the answer is just to adjust the door seals -- that would be easier than fitting new latches.

Dave

[hilltop170]

Club member John Benham has an STC and parts to make the door latch conversion.

[170C]

I have had John D's STC'd door latches on my plane for a bunch of years and I have always been very satisfied with them. While not original, they are far superior to the factory latches. I like how some members have put a chrome plate by the latch to prevent damage to the plane if the latch mechanism happens to be left in a partially closed position. Wish I had of had same all along--maybe one of these days!

[Brad Brady]

Brad,

Maybe the answer is just to adjust the door seals -- that would be easier than fitting new latches.

Dave

Dave,
Definitely that would be my first approach......Brad