Well, I wasn't going to tell anyone......

[Anthony]

Think i'm gonna start thinking about a bonnet switch and flashing light on the dash. maybe wired to ignition source i think so it works like a seatbelt idiot light.

glad its was only you wallet and nerves that took whallop.

 

[Iain]

This issue has caused me considerable angst during the design process for the car, we went thru several options and ended up with the Aero clips like Bills, we have 4 on the rear clip (The pin can engage either from underneath or from the side). It makes the lock down mechanism a bit tricky but assuming you remember to do it, it should help hold things together in the event of a shunt. We have also really increased the security of the hinge plates , front & rear. If you zoom in on the attached photo you can see the side mounted catch.

I, like many others I imagine, have tried to develop a pre race check list to tick off in the marshalling area, and I like many others sit there strapped in tring to remember if you have remembered everything on the list !


I like Ross's idea of reaching round the door to check if the locking mechanism is in place

Iain

 

[Bill Musarra]

Ian,
I really think these are the ultimate. Anything hooked into electronics can fail, blow a fuse or something that wouldn't let you know it isn't set. The aerocatches CANNOT be set without the flap being set down. I particularly like the keyed version better than the unkeyed. With the keyed version you can't take the key out of the catch until it is closed and locked. But I guess someone will say they don't carry the key with them. Oh well!!!
On another note, I don't see any Harwell style latches on Ian's ride. Will they be added later?

Bill

 

[Pat Buckley]

No matter what, simply walk around the car and make sure everything is in place.

 

[Iain]

Sorry to ask the stupid questions but what is a Harwell catch ?

Iain

 

[Randy V]

Sorry to ask the stupid questions but what is a Harwell catch ?

Iain

I didn't see any references to a Harwell catch in the above... I would think that the reference to a Harwell latch was actually referring to the Hartwell Latches that many of us look for to secure the front and rear bodywork to the cars..

 

[Dean Lampe]

I have a theory about the latches.....

After this has happened to you once, I would guess that you would not need a reminder. I don't think I will! But to prove my point, has this happedned to anyone twice? Common on, you are among friends. Tell the truth.

 

[Mick]

Dean I have fitted an internal beeper activated by aswitch similar to door light switch.I no it works pulled into a gas station today filled up didi the usual checks drove out before I hit the road the beeper reminded me, best option i have everfitted along with two separate sets of latches. If you look closley you can see the switch hanging near the back of the fuel tank before it was fitted.

 

[Price Walton]

I hate to sound morbid, but wasn't it a rear clip coming off that was a factor in Ken Miles' accident at Riverside?quote]


Correction;

I've just discovered that the accident I was thinking of was the one in which Rolf Stommelen received fatal injuries in John Fitzpatrick's 935K. I understand it is widely believed Ken Miles had a tyre failure.