I have also done this with a Ford Town car. It works well. However,
I'm still completing the project and my understanding and I think a good
practise, is to have an external release in case of accidents or
problems. I will likely do this with a control cable so you can release
from the outside. What I haven't resolved yet is how to make it secure
during non-flight and accessible when operating.
<<Maybe there's a way to install an auto power door lock
mechanism, "chirp-chirp" and the oil door opens! (I guess you'd need a
horn too)>>
Actually, Duane Hitchcock's 360 used an electric opener from, I
think, a Lincoln Continental trunk. He lowered the canopy and it stayed
about an inch open. He pushed the button on his remote and a little
electric mtor sucked that puppy down tight with a satisfying "thunk"!
Pushing the other button made it pop open again. It was truly awesome
and really added a lot of class to his already beautiful airplane.
Problem is, one time he had the key fob in his pocket while flying and
something in his pocket pushed the button. You got it -- "thunk" and the
rush of 200 mph air. He said it scared the crap out of him, so now he
has an arming switch on the panel so it won't happen again.
I don't think I want my oil door to do that...
- Rob Wolf