Window Latch

D

Desert7GCBC

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Apr 18, 2021
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Location
Tucson
Despite replacing the handle and latch-plate awhile back, the window pops open once in a while. This is just an annoyance for me as I just yank it closed and latch it again.

Yesterday, it happened to my brother. Unfortunately, it scared the b'jeebers out of his passenger who was enjoying his first ride in a light plane.

It's now a priority. Anybody got any ideas?

Thanks!
 
Some - a lot of Citabrias have an extra latch on the door, and the Decathlon has two. I suspect you are not alone . . .
 
Did you try adjusting the number of washers to get a tighter fit? You can also bend out the tab on the latch housing to get a tighter fit.
 
It only opens maybe 3-4 times/year. The latch is relatively new and adjusted to get a good, tight fit. It takes some serious effort to twist it to latch.

My guess is that, with turbulence and maneuvering, the airframe flexes a bit each flight and works it loose. (Maybe I should check it on my pre-takeoff checklist.)

The plan is to call ACA on Monday and order the Decathlon second latch.
 
I ordered the parts for a second latch from Chad at ACA. Price was very reasonable. I'll post photos of the installation.
 
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I got the parts for the second latch from Chad at ACA. It looks identical to the original latch. Not having any access to a Decathlon, I don't know where to mount it.

The original latch on my plane is approximately in the lower center of the window frame. Can anyone describe where the second one should be mounted?

Thanks!

Paul
 
I can get you a photo next time I'm at the hangar. Haven't had the plane long enough to remember where it's at! Lower left corner looking out maybe?
 
I know there are two on the door, but I don't think there are two on the left window. I will check tomorrow.
 
Chad seemed to understand what I was talking about concerning the window and said others had installed a second latch. He mentioned a small "plate to spread the load" that would have to be fabricated and I'm hoping whatever that is will become clear when I start the project.

Thanks Guys! Keeping this airplane flying would be a lot more difficult (and expensive!) without this forum.
 
Yeah, mine is identical. I forgot to check, but went flying Sunday and deliberately looked. Both latches and plates appear to be the same.
 
Ref; '75 GCBC

Ok. I spent all day installing the second latch today. It was a real exercise in frustration.

The latch is mounted at the front of the left-hand window. The good news is that the metal "window-sill" already has a cut-out under the upholstery for a second latch. That helped a lot!

All the parts looked similar to the original latch but none of them were dimensionally the same. Everything mounted in a different position, relative to the window frame and window sill, and the shaft had to be shortened 0.850" and a new roll-pin groove cut. It took a lot of planning and measuring to "noodle-out" how to install it. A hacksaw, dremel tool, drill, and a bench grinder were put to use modifying parts.

So... It's installed now. It secures the window and looks like original factory equipment.

Knowing what I know now, the best course would have been to simply brief passengers that the window opens occasionally. No photo is included because it would look just like Bart's photo above.

Again... Too soon old, too late smart. (I need a beer!)
 
About four years ago, the original latch handle was getting worn and wiggly. I ordered a new one from Wag and it was a perfect replacement. My guess is that ACA now has a different supplier. The new handle needs to mount about 1/8" higher than the original. (As measured from the bottom of the window frame.)

The new latch plate is also different and the shaft was about 3/4" too long for some reason that I don't understand. (Maybe Chad follows this and can illuminate me.)
 
They are probably vintage car parts, selected by Aeronca when production quantities enabled economic purchase. They are all gone, and substitutes have to be found. So instead of a 1948 DeSoto window wing latch they either have to select from available repros or make their own molds. The latter is done all the time, but it is really expensive for just a few parts.

Opin - er, Conjecture.
 
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