Door Latch Spring

jmbrwn · Post by **jmbrwn** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 4:37 pm

Hey guys. I did a search on the door latch spring and got some good info for replacing it. My problem now is, I went out to plane and removed door panel (a job in itself), but can't for the life of me figure out how to get access to the latch assembly. I removed the 4 screws that hold the latch plate, but there are 2 rivets holding it also.

I figured I'd better stop and consult here before tearing something up.

Thanks in advance.

jcraver · Post by **jcraver** » Sun Jun 13, 2004 8:20 pm

I can't help with the access problem, but there is a 140 guy that makes up the springs.
http://www.cessna120-140.org/Market_Place/Chavez_01.htm

jc

zero.one.victor · Post by **zero.one.victor** » Mon Jun 14, 2004 3:43 am

A while back I bought one of Mark Chavez's springs,it worked fine. Then I saw a page on the 120-140.org site which showed how to make up a jig to fabricate your own springs out of music wire. I built the little jig & bought some music wire, and after a couple practice tries could turn out a pretty decent spring myself.

Eric

jmbrwn · Post by **jmbrwn** » Tue Jun 15, 2004 12:04 pm

Eric- Do you remember how you accessed the latch mechanism to replace the spring? From the front, back, or side?

Jim

lowNslow · Post by **lowNslow** » Tue Jun 15, 2004 4:17 pm

Jim , you have to drill out those two rivets to remove the latch, and also disconnect the push rod from the door handle shaft. The latch can then be removed from the side of the door. When you replace it you can use cherry rivets to replace any rivets removed. On my 170 someone put rivnuts in the latch housing which then lets me use screws instead, seems to also work fine.

jmbrwn · Post by **jmbrwn** » Tue Jun 15, 2004 9:14 pm

Thanks Karl! That's exactly the info I was looking for.