The Cessna 120-140 Association Forum

I have found an individual who will make winterization kits for the 120's and 140's. They include the Cowl Grill and Nose Cowl Vent Covers. He does not include the springs for the Cowl Grill covers. According to the diagram from the 170 group, they are made out of 3/16 stainless steel wire (rod?). Looking at the parts book illustrations, it looks like some type of grommet is use in the Cowl Grill plate to prevent wear.
The cost is $150.00/kit.
Call Brian Stansberry at 641-642-3151. Brian is located in Moulton, IA.
Cheers,
Marc Remhof

I want to make a quick correction. The drawing from the 170 organization lists the wires for the plates as 3/16 ss. As I continue search the internet, it has dawned on me that the "ss" refers to spring steel and not stainless steel.
Cheers,
Marc

There are hooks with a loop-like handle on the end. There are also tapered coil springs. The springs push the hooks "out" toward the front of the plane. You push the hook in against the spring, rotate it until it catches one of the slats in the grill, and let the spring pull the hook tight against the grill. On the drawing, the hook is spec'd as 3/16" stainless steel. I think it's a typo and should be 3/32". The spring is a separate piece, similar to the spring that makes Dzus fasteners pop out when released. A similar arrangement is used to retain the inter-cylinder baffles in the engine compartment.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I was having a tough time trying to figure out how a 3/16 rod could be correct. I was planning on checking out the hardware and/or auto parts store for springs. I was looking at a coat hanger and thought that size wire would work too. We'll just have to give it a try once the covers arrive.
Marc

3/32" stainless welding rod (308) works great. A coat hangar is too soft.

Does anyone have pictures of what a finished fastener looks like? I'd like to make a set for my kit.

Thanks!

6643 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 16, 2018 1:17 pm Cessna winter kit

Thanks John, I've seen the drawing before, just never an actual finished product. Are the springs listed above what you would recommended or does anyone have a specific suggestion on a source for the right size and tension of spring?

I think the spring above for the #3 stud would work fine. Tension is not critical; all it does is hold the hook tight enough so it doesn't unhook on its own. Ram air pressure holds the cover against the cowl in flight.

i use 3/32" ER308 for something else, and it is definitely overkill for this application. Stiff enough that it's hard to work, too. That alloy is also available in 1/16" and .045". I think one of them would probably be a better choice.

6643 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 16, 2018 2:57 pm I think the spring above for the #3 stud would work fine. Tension is not critical; all it does is hold the hook tight enough so it doesn't unhook on its own. Ram air pressure holds the cover against the cowl in flight.

i use 3/32" ER308 for something else, and it is definitely overkill for this application. Stiff enough that it's hard to work, too. That alloy is also available in 1/16" and .045". I think one of them would probably be a better choice.

Just to confirm, when you say ram air holds the cover in flight, the cover itself goes on the backside of the grill inside the engine compartment, yes? Is there any guidance on how long the hooks need to be or is it a bit of trial and error to ensure the spring is getting compressed enough to keep the covers in place? Sorry for all of the questions. First winter for mine and I'm always looking for as much detail as possible before I get too far down the road and to hopefully learn good and bad experiences for any others.

Thanks