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


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dan
 Post subject: Re: Canopy Latch
PostPosted: Sun Apr 28, 2013 6:54 pm 
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Hope I put the picture in right.....Dan


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

RB O0


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


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stug
 Post subject: Re: Canopy Latch
PostPosted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 5:56 pm 
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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.

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Rich Brazell
 Post subject: Re: Canopy Latch
PostPosted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 6:22 pm 
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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 O0


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dan
 Post subject: Re: Canopy Latch
PostPosted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 9:50 pm 
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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


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

RB O0


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stug
 Post subject: Re: Canopy Latch
PostPosted: Tue Apr 30, 2013 6:18 am 
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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.

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Rich Brazell
 Post subject: Re: Canopy Latch
PostPosted: Tue Apr 30, 2013 2:16 pm 
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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 O0


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

Thanks

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Rich Brazell
 Post subject: Re: Canopy Latch
PostPosted: Tue May 28, 2013 9:54 pm 
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Lou: Send me your E-mail address . I tried your commercial address , but I don't do G-mail .

RB O0

rx115@cox.net


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james peran
 Post subject: Re: Canopy Latch
PostPosted: Thu May 30, 2013 12:06 am 
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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.


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Lou
 Post subject: Re: Canopy Latch
PostPosted: Sat Jun 01, 2013 3:10 pm 
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I got the prints.

Thanks guys

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PanchoGA
 Post subject: Re: Canopy Latch
PostPosted: Tue Oct 13, 2020 7:21 am 
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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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