Access panel-latch Options

[marky]

Does anyone have any instructions on methods to close and secure an aluminum access panel? I have a fuel-tank cap close to skin surface and want a smooth panel cover to close and seal the door to the skin. I can make the panel w hinges, but would like a shallow (not hartwell latch) latch to secure it - instead use a pull-pin or spring latch mechanism. any pictures, diagrams, ideas to share would be appreciated. thanks Check/DR109

[FlyingRon]

A fuel door? How about a simple dzus fastener. That holds my fuel doors closed and only protrudes a mm or so.

[crusty old aviator]

Study how the gas filler door on a car works, where you pull the lever by the front of the drivers seat to have it pop open, and use that as a guide. Why reinvent the wheel, when you can just modify it to suit your application?

[FlyingRon]

Study how the gas filler door on a car works, where you pull the lever by the front of the drivers seat to have it pop open, and use that as a guide. Why reinvent the wheel, when you can just modify it to suit your application?

If you don't need to "lock" it, all you need is a spring then.

[crusty old aviator]

Yeah, Ron's got it! Use the flat spring off the back of one of those dished inspection covers that are used on fabric aircraft. Bisect the bottom of your cover with the spring and rivet them together, like on the dished cover. Drill a small (3mm) hole in your cover, over the spring, about an inch from one side only. To remove the cover, stick a round shaft through the hole to push the spring down while you gently pry upward and out away from the cover's center...and you basically do this to reinstall it, too.