Dip Davis Cowl Latches

[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!

[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.

[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

[6183]

Marshall,
I’ll text Lorraine Morris about how to contact Taildragger Aviation, and post the contact info here.

[8434]

That would be appreciated

[6183]

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

[8434]

Thanks, She got back to me right away.

[6898]

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

[edidin]

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.

[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…..