Show Planes Canopy Lock

Has anyone with a Show Planes canopy solved the Cam Lock problem? The one from Van's that matches the front baggage compartment sticks out too far, and the canopy latch sticks out at an angle.

I went to two locksmiths looking for a flush cam lock, no luck. Show Planes has no answer, he just says to find a lower lock (they do not provide one, ridiculous). One more hurdle, and input would be welcome.

Hawk

This is what I used. It sticks out on the baggage door but will sit flush on the canopy latch (Showplanes)


http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/igswitches6.php?clickkey=70341

I'm working from memory here, about six years back, so best I can do is concept...

I think the lock came from Home Depot, similar to this one. The manufacturer makes several different lengths, in brass, chrome, or stainless steel:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/First-Wa...nd-Drawer-Utility-Cam-Lock-1378-604/202799780

Remove the cylinder from the barrel (take the nut off the back end and insert the key). Remove and discard the quarter-moon trim bezel.

I remember some light machining to the barrel, or maybe it was the cylinder, some sort of slight diameter reduction at the key end if I recall correctly. Maybe it was just to remove a lip. Doesn't stick because it only took a minute on the lathe. Sorry, it's been a while.

Machine a new hat-shaped trim bezel, cylinder OD a tight fit in the composite, brim OD a little larger of course, brim thickness in the 0.010"~0.020" ballpark, ID large enough to clear the cylinder. The brim thickness holds the stainless canopy handle up off the painted surface when it's in the flush trail position....no long term paint damage. The hat just gets bonded into the composite.





The steel arm that comes with the lock is ugly, and probably not the right length. Make an aluminum arm for the inside to block the tab rotation on the latch assembly:

Home Depot

Thanks Dan, that recessed lock in our photo is what we need! Not showing on the Home Depot site, but I'll go down and see if they have anything. Already went to 2 Locksmiths and Loews; as well as all over Amazon.com. No luck yet.

James Hawkins

Recessed

And thanks Tom, looks like you widened the hole and set the lock inside, is that right? We are thinking about that, and wondered if the wall of the canopy is too shallow. Looks like you made it work.

jh