07-21-2013: 1.5 hrs
I got the latch handle done today. The plan calls to trim the latch arm so the hook is about 3/8" wide. I trimmed to 1/2", thinking I should have enough material to fit the latch to the latch pin. Wrong, I had to trim to move the latch/pin contact point fwd for better fit, and only about 1/4" material left after I am happy with the fit. I did quick calculation, the latch arm material is 2024-T3, with Fsy = 23 ksi, this is enough for more than 700 lbs before yielding the hook. I am ok with it.
Then I drilled the exterior handle. I couldn't find the nylon washer anywhere, so I just used a rubber washer between exterior handle and canopy center strip. It works fine, the motion is smooth, and I think it's even better for sealing.
