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Dip Davis Cowl Latches
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2021 2:52 pm
by akteleskier
I am a long-time lurker, but trying to dip my toe in the water. I noticed there wasn't a topic specific to the Dip Davis Cowl Latch STC.
I recently lost a latch in-flight and have been really unsatisfied (poor me) with the availability and quality of replacement latches.
The Dip Davis seems like a really eloquent solution, but I am concerned the cowl won't be as "snug" as the original latches. They really crank it down and I feel good that it isn't vibrating - chipping paint, letting excess air in (I am in Alaska and it's often difficult to get the oil temp up to boil off condensation).
Would love to get your thoughts if you have them installed - especially with regard to install time and "snugness."
https://taildraggeraviation.com/cowl-latch-information
Cheers!
Re: Dip Davis Cowl Latches
Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2021 6:10 pm
by 8474
I installed them and am very happy. You are correct that they do not "pull down" as the old ones did but if installed correctly they still hold the cowl very snuggly and in my opinion far more secure than the original ones.
Re: Dip Davis Cowl Latches
Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2022 10:07 am
by 8434
Hi,
Has anybody heard from Taildraggeraviation? I'd like to replace my latches as they are all in bad shape but they won't respond to my requests to purchase the kit.
Thanks
Marshall
Re: Dip Davis Cowl Latches
Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2022 10:45 am
by 6183
Marshall,
I’ll text Lorraine Morris about how to contact Taildragger Aviation, and post the contact info here.
Re: Dip Davis Cowl Latches
Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2022 5:06 pm
by 8434
That would be appreciated
Re: Dip Davis Cowl Latches
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2022 8:17 am
by 6183
8434 wrote: ↑Tue Apr 12, 2022 5:06 pm
That would be appreciated
Sent you a PM and email with Lorraine's telephone contact.
Lorraine says that the older taildragger website no longer will provide contact to her. New website which she says works is:
www.taildraggeraviation.com
Re: Dip Davis Cowl Latches
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2022 12:50 pm
by 8434
Thanks, She got back to me right away.
Re: Dip Davis Cowl Latches
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2022 10:07 am
by 6898
akteleskier wrote: ↑Thu Apr 22, 2021 2:52 pm
I am a long-time lurker, but trying to dip my toe in the water. I noticed there wasn't a topic specific to the Dip Davis Cowl Latch STC.
I recently lost a latch in-flight and have been really unsatisfied (poor me) with the availability and quality of replacement latches.
The Dip Davis seems like a really eloquent solution, but I am concerned the cowl won't be as "snug" as the original latches. They really crank it down and I feel good that it isn't vibrating - chipping paint, letting excess air in (I am in Alaska and it's often difficult to get the oil temp up to boil off condensation).
Would love to get your thoughts if you have them installed - especially with regard to install time and "snugness."
https://taildraggeraviation.com/cowl-latch-information
Cheers!
We installed Dip Davis latches several years ago on a 140 we refinished. As of now I have heard no problems at all. I will note the fit or arch of your top cowl should be a no tension fit. What i think is the original latches have a over center spring and allow the cowl top to be pulled into place. Where as the Dip Davis replacement idea shroud be NO tension. More as a good fit and lined up more like locking it in place. If those "Tabs" have cross shear or pull out tension on them? well there going to rip. Hope this helps. JEFF
Re: Dip Davis Cowl Latches
Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2022 2:38 pm
by edidin
akteleskier wrote: ↑Thu Apr 22, 2021 2:52 pm
letting excess air in (I am in Alaska and it's often difficult to get the oil temp up to boil off condensation).
Do you use the winterization covers below 60F? I started to in Upstate NY (not as cold as Alaska, but cool anyhow) and it really helps. Without them the engine just runs too cool.
Re: Dip Davis Cowl Latches
Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2022 2:45 pm
by jwscholl
I just installed them. On both rear formers if cowl, I had to shrink a little and, because of original “pull down” tension, had cracks in them anyway so needed to splice…. I spliced so I got a perfect fit of cowl. Dip Davis latches were very good solution. I just wasn’t going to pay 400 per latch for new original style latches…..but I do like them better
I also replaced a cowl hinge to get best fore/aft alignment of top cowl so latch recesses were lined up ….
Longer process than I thought…..