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The Coleman latch is lighter than the "Thorp Latch." The fact that you could take the Coleman latch out of the package and bolt it on did save time. The advantage to using the "Thorp Latch" is you can secure the canopy from the outside. I don't like rain/water in my cockpit. I took my plans to KINKO's and made copies to use as templates. Traced them onto the flat stock, cut out the stock on the bandsaw and made the bends using a torch. The main body of the latch does not weigh that much. The handles weigh more than the main body. I suppose you can make the handles smaller and save a few ounces ? If you do not want to secure the canopy from the outside (with the Thorp Latch) and you can not find a "Coleman Latch" (Made in China) , then I would go with the over center type latch you can get from Mc Master Carr or another supplier.

RB

Author:	dan [ Thu Aug 02, 2012 9:53 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Canopy Latch
That sounds about right Stuart, It has been a while since I have seen the infamous Tommy Cat.Dan

Author:	Rich Brazell [ Sun Apr 28, 2013 10:00 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Canopy Latch
That same latch would work as a single canopy latch on the center post . "El Gato" still looks good with 2 of them ! RB

Author:	dan [ Sun Apr 28, 2013 11:10 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Canopy Latch
Thanks Rich, and I think you right, one in the center on top would probably do it. Dan

Author:	stug [ Mon Apr 29, 2013 5:56 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Canopy Latch
Dan If you went for the one latch at the top then it would probably be possible to incorporate a small spring loaded push pin that acts on the latch. One push on the pin from the outside would release the catch providing quick access for any rescuers in the event of an emergency. You would hope it would never be needed but having spoken to a few builders here in Oz they strongly recommended keeping some form of instant unlock.

Author:	Rich Brazell [ Mon Apr 29, 2013 6:22 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Canopy Latch
Even with this type of latch and installing the "loaded push pin" you still would have to drill thru the glass to install it . Why drill a hole in the glass for a pin that may not work ! I still contend the Thorp latch is not difficult to make . Positive latching and provides a means to open the canopy from the outside . If it is truly an EMERGENCY the rescue folks are going to take a crash axe to the glass to get you out . The canopy frame may be possibly bent and will not open . RB

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Canopy Latch http://thorp18.com/thorpforum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6516	Page 2 of 3

Author:	dan [ Mon Apr 29, 2013 9:50 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Canopy Latch
Your right Rich, I find someone upside down in a Thorp not going to worry bout where the latch is, I will open quickly with my Boot................Dan

Author:	Rich Brazell [ Mon Apr 29, 2013 10:28 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Canopy Latch
I would welcome your big ass boot ! RB

Author:	stug [ Tue Apr 30, 2013 6:18 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Canopy Latch
Does that need a placard with a "kick here in emergency"? Anyway some sort of outside emergency canopy release even if it is largely a token gesture seems important to some pilots, a roll over may not be the only emergency. For me I think I will be sticking close to the original latch it actually doesn't look that hard to make.

Author:	Rich Brazell [ Tue Apr 30, 2013 2:16 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Canopy Latch
If I made the Thorp latch it can't be that hard ! Make copies of the full size parts at Kinkos , trace out the parts on your material. Cut the part and bend the main steel body in a vice using a torch to heat the metal on scribed bend lines . BOOM ! RB

Author:	Lou [ Tue May 28, 2013 2:54 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Canopy Latch
Can someone point me to a drawing of the Thorp latch? My plan set is missing it. Thanks

Author:	Rich Brazell [ Tue May 28, 2013 9:54 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Canopy Latch
Lou: Send me your E-mail address . I tried your commercial address , but I don't do G-mail . RB rx115@cox.net

Author:	james peran [ Thu May 30, 2013 12:06 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Canopy Latch
I got one.The Coleman metal type. Didnt like the idea design my own with canopy hold down. Any one wants it can get it off me at Oshkosh.J.P.

Author:	Lou [ Sat Jun 01, 2013 3:10 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Canopy Latch
I got the prints. Thanks guys

Author:	PanchoGA [ Tue Oct 13, 2020 7:21 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Canopy Latch
Rich Brazell wrote: The Coleman latch is lighter than the "Thorp Latch." The fact that you could take the Coleman latch out of the package and bolt it on did save time. The advantage to using the "Thorp Latch" is you can secure the canopy from the outside. I don't like rain/water in my cockpit. I took my plans to KINKO's and made copies to use as templates. Traced them onto the flat stock, cut out the stock on the bandsaw and made the bends using a torch. The main body of the latch does not weigh that much. The handles weigh more than the main body. I suppose you can make the handles smaller and save a few ounces ? If you do not want to secure the canopy from the outside (with the Thorp Latch) and you can not find a "Coleman Latch" (Made in China) , then I would go with the over center type latch you can get from Mc Master Carr or another supplier. RB Hi All, Are plans for the original canopy latch available? I would like to be able to latch the canopy from the outside as well as the inside. I have a picture of the parts from Rich (thanks!), but a set of drawings would be very helpful. I would be happy to pay for copying and shipping. Thanks, Pancho

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