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New Hinge Idea for Wing Lockers
The forward edge of the cover slides under a 'lip' sticking out from a shim
placed between the leading edge skin and the upper rear skin. It sticks out
about 5/16 ths of an inch and runs the full length of the cover. This traps the
front edge of the cover and seals it from the wind and hopefully, the weather.
When the cover is closed the forward edge rests on the side rails as well as
on top of the angle placed under the spar cap. The hinges are placed up and
away from the forward edge so it will slide down and forward at the same time,
winding up wedged under the lip. This leaves no visible gaps.
I bought a piece of aluminum angle from Lowe's and placed the angle under the spar cap as the plans call for placing the hinge (without any spacers, etc.) the corner on the angle is up and to the aft. The 'face' hangs down in mid-air but is plenty study to keep everything in place. I picked up two 'euro-style' cabinet hinges also at Lowe's for about $3 a piece. They are spring loaded and hold the cover in place when the locker is opened. The front edge of the cover basically 'slides' down along the side strips and top of the angle and forward upon closing. I placed a small shim sandwiched between the leading edge skin and the rear upper skin. The front edge of the shim is the length of the cover and sticks out about 5/16th's of an inch. This 'eyebrow' provides a groove to trap the leading edge of the cover. This way the cover is sealed from wind (and hopefully weather) as there is no seam visible. I drilled lightening holes in the angle to save weight and the mechanism works as smooth as a bank vault door.
Roger Parnow