Does anyone know if there are any alternatives to the Southco 1/4 turn fasteners on the nose cowl of the Twin Comanche? Every time I remove the cowl it seems I lose a fastener. Thanks!

John W.

hi John,

For years i carried around a compartmented-box of spare fasteners either because the size changed due to chaff strip compression or the little rings on the inside fell off and then the fastener went somewhere never to be found again. I carried spare rings also.

After a non-Clifton shop removed the nose cowl without my permission and gouged the paint, I took the suggestion from Clifton and removed the fasteners, put in nut plates and now use screws with washers. Clifton did this at the last annual for me so they have experience now. They'd seen on one other Comanche but mine was they first they did. The thing we learned was, fit the cowl on before selecting the nut plate locations as not all holes line up well.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the information!

John

John,
I, too, changed over to nut plates and screws about 4 years ago on my PA-30B and wondered why I waited so long.
Steen

Not that I have done it or recommend it becasue they could come out and fly God knows where but I know of someone who just removed the retaining clips from the original fasteners. That way the original fasteners come out once they are backed off. Then the Nose Bowl comes off with out the hassle.

I wouldn't do it on mine because I have a couple that always work themselves loose. I guess I could get replacements that fit properly. But again should they come flying out at cruise, come up hit the windscreen, hit the tail, hit a prop what ever. Doesn't sound pretty.

John