Tonight I started working on replacing the Vans canopy latch with the JDAir latch. Originally I wasn’t going to do this, because it requires cutting a larger slot in the side of the fuselage, and I didn’t want to risk it. Additionally, a lot of the 3rd party side panels are only designed for the standard latch.
At some point over the last year or two, Classic Aero started selling side panels that fit the JDAir latch. Looking at the actual modifications needed, and how much more solid of a latch it is, I decided to go ahead and change it out.
I downloaded and printed the instructions, checked the dimensions, then taped the template to the fuselage. Step 1 is to drill out the rivets holding the bottom bracket in place. This was easy enough. Then I drilled holes in the corners of each area which needs to be enlarged, and then used a small Dremel tool with a cutting wheel to complete the cut.
Next I’ll need to file the edges to a nice, flat, smooth surface, but I’m relieved to have gotten the scary step done without any collateral damage.
