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Bultaco Jim
02-13-2009, 01:25 AM
Here is a few photos of my strut catch on the Colt... http://www.flickr.com/photos/34695801@N ... 715628041/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34695801@N02/sets/72157613715628041/)

Zac Weidner
02-13-2009, 08:32 AM
What type of glue did you use? I have heard that glueing them on like that can last a long time and I think it just looks much neater than having a band around the strut.

Bultaco Jim
02-13-2009, 12:57 PM
This catch was done when the plane was redone in 1992, before I owned it. I would use a 2 part epoxy over metal that has been sanded lightly with fine sandpaper. I can't imagine it coming off.

Glen Geller
02-14-2009, 02:42 AM
Hmmm, another cool little project if I ever have money for sealed struts. I would mount flush-head studs from the backside of the plates, and use nylok nuts to secure the clip to the plate. Because those clips can wear out after 20 years.

Steve Pierce
03-23-2009, 07:17 PM
I just installed new door catches on a set of sealed struts on a Pacer. Part #52745-000 Piper Door Catch Kit from Univair was under $3.00. It came with the male and female parts. I used a stainless steel hose clamp around the strut after I wrapped the strut with vinyl tape. Marked the clamp where the hole needed to be, removed the clamp from the strut and drilled holes in the clamp to match the catch. Then I dimpled the hose clamp from the bottom side to create a flush bottom to go around the strut. Then I squeezed two 1/8" AN426 rivets to fasten the catch to the hose clamp and installed.
Rear door.
5226
Front door.
5227

rexandkim
03-26-2009, 07:53 PM
Nice and simple. I like that idea.

51-pa22
05-09-2010, 08:03 PM
Gilbert
This is EXACTLY what I was looking for
Sky Catch.

I have a set of them on 2813Z and need a set for 1414A

This should also work on the funny nose low wing, metalized cub twin 1344P to keep the door from banging into the right engine
Will start digging and see if Traves is still around

Thanks again for the lead
51-pa22
http://165thbdhr.com/modules/Forums/images/smiles/smokin.gif

well bummer

Romilly W. Traves
August 14th, 2007
Romilly Webster Traves, 80, of Medina, passed away Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007.

looks as if I will need to break out the mill or find something different
Any suggestions?

smcnutt
05-10-2010, 09:14 AM
Here's what we did.
866867868

51-pa22
05-10-2010, 01:47 PM
smcnutt (http://www.shortwingpipers.org/forum/member.php?31-smcnutt)
That looks like a very clean installation and it will work on the 51-pa22 do you have any more of them?

I think it will be a little in the way on the funny nosed piper (door to engine nacelle)
I still like it.
yet............ I am still looking for something closer to the Skycatch.



http://165thbdhr.com/modules/Forums/images/smiles/smokin.gif

smcnutt
05-10-2010, 01:57 PM
We have them here at work and I could send you a couple if you can't find them. However, they are just a cabinet catch you can buy at the hardware store. Let me know if you need me to send you a couple.

d.grimm
05-10-2010, 07:17 PM
I've got a SkyCraft SkyCatch in the original mailer. PM me if you want it.
Dave

Larry Huntley
04-21-2013, 07:13 AM
Anybody making a wrap around door catch for the sealed struts? Larry

MN_flyer1
04-21-2013, 07:15 AM
Yes, they are available on the shortwingpiperclub store.

Tim

Larry Huntley
04-21-2013, 09:39 AM
Yes, they are available on the shortwingpiperclub store.

Tim

Thanks Tim. Larry

56tripacer
03-23-2014, 01:18 AM
We're can I find the clamp for new struts on a Tri-pacer to hold the door open

mmoyle
03-23-2014, 03:42 AM
Univair http://www.univair.com/piper/piper-j-3/view-all/u10656-000-piper-rear-jury-strut-clamp/


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moe2goe
03-23-2014, 08:17 AM
6131I made these per Andy's rec.

Steve Pierce
03-23-2014, 11:59 AM
Merged with another thread on the same subject. Look at the previous posts here.

walt.buskey
03-24-2014, 05:03 AM
Here's what the SWPC SkyCatch looks like after I did one for my front door (after new struts). It seems to work well.

613461356136


Walt

Jetfever
03-28-2014, 09:53 AM
Walt, Forgive me for saying… But that SWPC SkyCatch looks like it will "catch" your shirt, or worse, some skin on a regular basis.
If the strut catch is located above the the strut it is much less likely to catch on anything near it.
Let us know how you like this device after living with it for a few hours.
Sincerely, Steve

walt.buskey
03-28-2014, 11:21 AM
6205Steve, you're absolutely right. I pretty much followed the instructions that came with the thing, but had no sooner got it mounted and working when I started seeing some very good alternatives.

I'm pretty small in stature so I haven't --as yet-- caught myself or anything else on it, but can certainly see the potential. Just a few weeks after I got it on, I saw this on another SWPC member's plane at our local field and immediately started planning.

One more thing on the "to do" list! And thanks for the heads up-- I'll let you know if that proves to be an issue (unless I change it before then). Unfortunately, being a student pilot still involved in "fixing" stuff, she hasn't been in the air for a while.

Walt

pa20
03-28-2014, 06:11 PM
Walt, Forgive me for saying… But that SWPC SkyCatch looks like it will "catch" your shirt, or worse, some skin on a regular basis.
If the strut catch is located above the the strut it is much less likely to catch on anything near it.
Let us know how you like this device after living with it for a few hours.
Sincerely, Steve

Steve and All.....
I had a set of those catches that were going to be installed after I put on the sealed struts. I just could not bring myself to dedicate the labor to install them. I finally re-engineered the old "screen door" style catches and put them on. They likely do not hold as well, but they are not obtrusive, and don't catch my coat!

PeterL
03-28-2014, 06:39 PM
after my rebuild I use the SW model and so far---good. with the bottom tab I plan to mount my gopro on it.

PeterL
03-28-2014, 06:41 PM
Maybe, I'll hang my coat on it, great idea ;-)

Bob
09-17-2016, 08:59 AM
Does anybody have a method or advice on TIGHTENING the strut mount to catch the door better? Slightest movement and door crashes (well not THAT bad) shut, but won't stay open in a breeze etc. while doing preflight etc.

smcnutt
09-17-2016, 09:24 AM
Which kind do you have? If it's the kind I have (above) you can just squeeze the catch side to be a little tighter.

Bob
09-17-2016, 09:27 AM
It is shaped like a "Y" at the opening, with an inside space shaped like a diamond to match the one on the door. Spring loaded sides. Will have to take a picture of it next time at hangar.

51-pa22
09-17-2016, 09:28 AM
If it is a skyketch type....Turn the screw on the catch 1/4 turn will give more preload on the ball. Look at PeterL image #3 post #23 this thread.

Bob
09-17-2016, 09:30 AM
Thanks, will do. I'll let you know how it goes too. Thanks.

Bob
09-18-2016, 02:56 PM
1111511116This is the type of latch on the Main door, and it needs to be tightened somehow. Left is on strut, right is on door. Ideas welcome.

Squeezing it (catch portion) seems to flatten and negate tightening it.

51-pa22
09-18-2016, 03:03 PM
Oh i do hope im not looking as a sealed strut

Bob
09-18-2016, 03:44 PM
No it is not a sealed strut. To my chagrin, needs every other year examination.... would prefer sealed with different catch

51-pa22
09-18-2016, 03:45 PM
Good and bummer if you know what i mean

Bob
09-18-2016, 03:52 PM
Good and bummer if you know what i mean

Ya I know. My last TriPacer had sealed struts, but I don't remember the door catch situation on it, it just worked.

Steve Pierce
09-18-2016, 04:13 PM
Univair sells this one like Piper used. You can bend the ears in to tighten the catch.
11117

smcnutt
09-19-2016, 06:29 AM
Univair sells this one like Piper used. You can bend the ears in to tighten the catch.
11117
Not sure what univairs price is for this but I've seen the same looking part at Lowes /Home Depot. Just sayin. It was in the specialty hardware section at least. :rolleyes:

Steve Pierce
09-19-2016, 06:35 AM
It only costs a few dallars and is chrome plated but you are correct, it is a cabinet latch. Piper used lots of off the shelf parts like this.

pa20
09-19-2016, 12:03 PM
Not sure what univairs price is for this but I've seen the same looking part at Lowes /Home Depot. Just sayin. It was in the specialty hardware section at least. :rolleyes:

It is a little known fact that Lowes and H.D. have an aisle marked "Hardware Used On Classic Aircraft, Cars, and Boats"!
If you want the quality stuff, "Ace is the place"!
I have the same catch pictured in this post. I have tried to bend the catches, and it just does not hold tight enough for the average breeze. My thought is to drill through the female part, just in from the mount. Then put a #4 screw through the holes which will allow the spring tension to be adjusted as needed.

seangresh
11-19-2016, 03:51 PM
I just installed new door catches on a set of sealed struts on a Pacer. Part #52745-000 Piper Door Catch Kit from Univair was under $3.00. It came with the male and female parts. I used a stainless steel hose clamp around the strut after I wrapped the strut with vinyl tape. Marked the clamp where the hole needed to be, removed the clamp from the strut and drilled holes in the clamp to match the catch. Then I dimpled the hose clamp from the bottom side to create a flush bottom to go around the strut. Then I squeezed two 1/8" AN426 rivets to fasten the catch to the hose clamp and installed.
Rear door.
5226
Front door.
5227 I recently bought a Tri-pacer and appreciate your advise about a door catch. Perfect timing and a simple solutions. thanks, Sean

Steve Pierce
11-20-2016, 08:18 AM
Congratulations on the Tri-Pacer and welcome to Short Wing Pipers.org. Glad you found the information useful.

Bob
11-21-2016, 06:05 PM
Curious, what do a set of sealed struts for the PA-22 cost? I'm thinking it will be a good upgrade.

Thanks

walt.buskey
11-22-2016, 06:16 AM
A few years ago, I believe I paid about $2300 for a set of four from Airfames Alaska. Figured,as it was the first major expense on my TP, it was well worth the cost to get out of the %$%# 2 year AD.

wa9als
09-28-2020, 02:57 PM
Can anyone tell me where to find a strut catch for the door of my PA22-108 Colt? The part number may be 487-285 (old note from my AP/IA). Thanks!

wcnyman
09-28-2020, 04:16 PM
Can anyone tell me where to find a strut catch for the door of my PA22-108 Colt? The part number may be 487-285 (old note from my AP/IA). Thanks!
Univair has them

wa9als
09-28-2020, 04:20 PM
Univair has them

Thanks! I found it!

DrHook3960
09-28-2020, 04:45 PM
Is that the one that requires a screw into the strut? You can flush rivet it to a fabricated strap or a hose clamp around the strut.

wa9als
09-28-2020, 05:16 PM
Yes, screwed to strut. I don’t have the catch though; it broke.

wa9als
09-28-2020, 05:20 PM
Thanks! I found it!

Univair has a kit with both parts and screws for $4.25 - but $11 shipping. ;-)

Steve Pierce
09-29-2020, 09:36 AM
Figure out what else you need or get one at Lowes.

Gilbert Pierce
09-29-2020, 04:55 PM
Stanley Cabinet Catch is what Piper used. Still available.

Subsonic
09-29-2020, 06:44 PM
Stanley Cabinet Catch is what Piper used. Still available.

I wish someone would replicate the Stanley catch in stainless steel. Both of mine are about 3 years old and I fight rusting regularly.

wa9als
04-08-2021, 12:17 PM
My new sealed struts from Airframes Alaska are curently being installed at annual. I've seen a couple of posts about using vinyl tape and hose clamp, or an epoxy catch mount solution, but this is still challenging us. I don't care very much that the door "catches", but I don't want it to swing wide open and scuff the paint from the new strut. So any solution that stops the door before it can contact the strut would be good. If you recommend some sort of JB Weld type product, please be specific. Thanks!

dgapilot
04-08-2021, 03:55 PM
Short Wing Piper Club sells door catches.

Steve Pierce
04-09-2021, 06:34 AM
Use a stick on bumper or some Teflon tape. problem I see is banging back and forth in the wind while trying to get in and out or loading,

Glen Geller
04-09-2021, 02:17 PM
I purchased ball-catch hardware from local DIY or woodworking shop.
Riveted the receiver to aluminum and used dbl-sided Gorilla tape to the strut.
Screwed the stub part to the doors.
Example, buy the larger size (holds well, easier to adjust)
https://www.grainger.com/product/SUGATSUNE-Grab-4EVL31912619128

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tnowak
04-15-2021, 02:29 AM
This is what I have on my Vagabond.
The previous owner (many, many years ago - a French flying club) had drilled the strut to fix the rod attachment to the strut.
I now have sealed struts so made the wrap-around strap from a stainless steel Jubilee clip and silver soldered the rod to it.
Used a thin strip of rubber to go between strut and bracket.
TonyN

cozzmo81
04-15-2021, 08:00 PM
this is how I did the door catch on my Pacer. .032 aluminum strap with the replacement latch from Univair flush riveted to the strap. I glued some cowling anti-chafe tape to the back of the strap to protect the strut.
19160

zebra
08-09-2023, 07:37 AM
Hi All.

I replaced the wing struts on a Colt and now need a way to hold the door open without drilling holes in the new sealed strut.

There is a door stop that wraps around the strut on my Decathlon. Is there a similar part to use on the Colt?

Thanks in advance!

Stephanie

Jim
08-09-2023, 10:50 PM
Hi,

There are quite a few options found among the threads here.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=door+catch+site%3Ashortwingpipers.org&atb=v357-1&ia=web

Steve Pierce
08-10-2023, 06:37 AM
Stephanie, I merged your thread with another on the subject. It is easy to Google search the site, I used "door catch site:shortwingpipers.org"

Jim, I forgot about duckduckgo