Rob –
I’m at the same point myself. I vote
for using hard rivets to install the Hartwell latch. They’re no more effort
to install (or drill out should the need arise). Have you checked whether
you have sufficient clearance for the RV goosneck hinge under the cowl? I
fabricated my own J-hinge and it hits the #2 intake runner. I’ll have to
scrap it and try something else.
From: rwolf99@aol.com
[mailto:rwolf99@aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, January 29, 2011
11:37 PM
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Subject: Oil Door Latches and
Rivets
I'm using a standard Hartwell latch for
my oil door -- just like a Wichita
spam can. My question is whether to attach it to the door with rivets or
screws. If I use screws, I can replace it easily and it's easier to
paint. If I use rivets (which would have to be 5/32 rivets due to the
hole size in the latch) then it's harder to replace, but you can't see the
fasteners.
My wife says to use rivets, since I told
her that I'd probably never have to replace the latch, but if so, I could drill
out the rivets and then use "those shiny stainless screws".
For those of you using these latches --
what have y'all done?
FYI, I'm using a gooseneck hinge from an
RV (Vans), so the actual hinge is not visible. Just the latch is
visible. I'm not interested in using one of those elegant hidden
actuators that some of you have, although they definitely look nice.
Next question -- since I'm not a sheet
metal guy and know nothing about rivets, would I use soft rivets to attach the
latch and also the hinge, or would I have to use hard rivets. Normally
I'm using the soft rivets for nutplates.