Door Latch

[Bcone1381]

Request for feed back:

I'm curious. I want to bevel and shorten the Door latches steel rod so it can be slammed shut. I am scared I'll mess it up. But if the experienced can guide me I will do it.

As designed, the latch will just bang on the door frame, bounce back open, and someday will dent and damage the frame or the latch. Have others modified theirs? I envision a 45 degree angle (Would 60 degree angle be better?) with a striker plate riveted to receive the latches extended beveled steel rod. It seems I saw one at Oshkosh and wish I had more details on it.

I also show an aftermarket door latch from Spruce that I did not install due to the need and subsequent fear of welding, warping, and screwing up the door. Its bevel looks like 45 degrees. What you see in photo 1 is Bob's/the kit design.


IMG_0668.png IMG_0666.png IMG_0667.png

[jaredyates]

I never set up the stock door pin to self close. It often needs a little vertical persuasion to line up, based on the load in the fuselage. I'm not sure you would like it.

[Tyler]

Brooks I started tinkering with the same thing and abandoned the idea mostly because the spring strength seemed too much for the light door weight to overcome when slamming the door. So it still bounced even with a 45 degree bevel.

[Bcone1381]

Thank you Tyler and Jared. Thats input I'm looking for!!

[Chewie]

When you say "as designed" whose design are you referring to? My C140 latch slams shut no problem. Happy to send a pic.

*Edit: just read your last sentence, disregard. But still happy to show you what the Cessna has

[Tailwheelflyer]

I've never ridden in an airplane with self latching doors that don't have issues with coming open after a decent amount of wear. step tube aircraft have a fair amount flex in them, which is perfectly normal but would be an issue with the limited amount engagement you would have on the latch after shortening it.