Someone was beta testing a new canopy lock for the -12. I got tired of waiting so started to install one today. I was going to use one of the examples in this thread until my friend suggested that I fabricate a new canopy rail tab and use the existing slot.
in the photo below are the parts (minus one ¾" star washer - on order). The lock is a stainless steel lock made by Medeco with a ⅞" barrel length. The key throw is 180 degrees. This lock also has a 90 degree key throw option, however, with the key in the locked position, the lock does not release the key.
I didn't realize this so I had to make the 180 degree throw work, thus changing the geometry of my initial design.
We modified the locking arm by drilling and tapping a 10-32 thread into the end of the arm. We then threaded a bolt into the hole, cut off the head of the bolt, and placed a nut on the outboard threaded end, thus leaving the smooth grip end of the bolt available to engage the slot to be created in the new canopy rail tab.
The photo also shows the original and new tab. It took about 3 tries to get this right.
We also fabricated an anti-rotation bracket for the lock barrel that also serves as a doubler plate for the thin outer skin.
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This photo shows the lock with the anti-rotation bracket loosely in place. The locking arm is in the unlocked position. I had to fiddle with the positioning of the lock because of the 180 degrees of throw.
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Here is a photo of the newly installed canopy rail tab. This tab will slip down through the existing canopy rail slot to be engaged by the bolt shank on the locking arm.
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I'll tack on a photo of the completed installed once I receive the ¾ inch star washer from ACS.
Regards,