The International Cessna^® 170 Association

The spring that holds the door catch out went messing, preventing the door from staying closed. The schematic available from the Association shows the spring part number as 0511247-1. This part has been superceded by Cessna Service Kit SK172-16C, which appears to be the entire latching mechanism @ $98.10 from Univair or $113.20 from Cessna. Seems like one could just buy the spring, but where?

The spring you are referring to is commonly called the mouse trap spring. It is a special made for Cessna spring and your not likely to find it.

I doubt very much you could by an entire latching mechanism from Univair or Cessna for the prices you quoted but miracles do happen occasionally. I think Cessna might actually be offering a different spring set up for their price which then would make the price astronomical for what you get and unfortunately more characteristic for Cessna pricing.

The spring can be made from music wire if your crafty and instructions to do so use to float around the web, created by a Cessna 140 member. 140s use the same spring.

What more of use have found is that simple hardware store springs can be added to your assembly to accomplish what the mouse trap spring did. Look below for the link to the other topic about these springs and replacing them.

Thanks for all the information. My mechanic will be delighted to work on this using your suggestions

Here is the topic that shows hardware springs being used as well as a email to a gentleman that will make you some mouse trap style springs.

http://www.cessna170.org/forums/viewtop ... ing#p93264

These emails are extremely helpful. Now all I need is a way to forward them to my mechanic without copying and pasting. Is there a function I'm missing?

No there is no feature to email forum information to anyone. BUT there is no reason anyone couldn't just view and read the forum itself.

Simply view the first page of the thread, then copy and paste the URL in your browser to your email. They can then click on the link and it will go right to the thread.

Here is the URL for this thread: http://www.cessna170.org/forums/viewtop ... 509#p95509

There is someone on the 120/140 Association site that sells the mouse trap springs. I don't know how much as the price is not listed but you can find the contact info here http://www.cessna120-140.org/Classified/springs.htm

Great and thanks for all the help!

Just did a 337 for the later style like on 150's and they are readily available in aircraft recycling centers. Always did hate those spring style.

Marathonrunner, could you please elaborate on the 150-solution? My door latch worries me...
Thanks.