Bit random this one, but I was wondering who makes the type of quick release fasteners used to attach nose-boxes. They appear to be 1/4 turn cam-loc type fasteners but the type used on bodywork probably aren't strong enough. Anyone got a reference handy for something that can be used structurally?

Ben

Edit: Google is my friend: http://www.afscamloc.net/xua/downloads/991F%20Series.pdf

Ben

Are you sure these are the type used as nose-cone fasteners? It's some time since I've seen one, and it will take a little while to find a photograph, but these look a bit different from what I remember...

I also seem to remember that when they are tightened there is a ratchet-sound, not just the one slight, almost imperceptible click as the pin over-centre's.

You're thinking of a different fastener whose name is escaping me right now. It's structural, though, not like a camloc.


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Edit:

When in doubt, consult Coast Fab.

http://www.coastfab.com/images/pdf/livelock_general_new.pdf

Thanks FB. Looking again at some pics: http://www.mulsannescorner.com/AcuraARX-02-1a.html there are clearly versions of this type of fastener where the nut if perpendicular to the locating dowel.

Ben

Exactly FB, not a camloc, but a waisted pin, and a fastener that engages with it.

The link to the Cost Fab .pdf is the what you were thinking, right?

When you say you want a structural nose cone fastener, is this to hold on a nose with a front wing good enough to generate downforce?

Regards, Ian

The general category is referred to as structural panel fasteners (SPFs). They were originally developed by Tridair of Torrance, California in the 1960s for use on the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane obviating the need for a frame. The ratchet-sounding fastener has the trade name Livelok.

Tridair was purchased by Rexnord which was purchased by Fairchild which was purchased by Alcoa, which distributes both aerospace and industrial product. The aerospace products can be found here.

Yeah the nose cone fastener like the one in the Acura shot I linked to - i.e. where there's a locating peg perpendicular to a 1/4 turn nut.

Edit: People on speedtv have been discussiong this and can only find links to a woodwork equivalent of the joint type: http://www.speedtv.com/forums/viewthread/475504/P10/#6704434

http://www.rockler.com/findit.cfm?page=2334&cookietest=1

Ben

Holy moley! I recall the nose box fasteners in the March 81C to be about 6 rubber bands holding the top and bottom halves, along with all the wings (and attendant forces) together.
And how in 1982, Danny Sullivan had a trun 3 spin in practice when a couple of the black rubber things broke and the nose separated.

most are a teams own spec/design as the housing is built into the nosebox and has to pass the crash an push off tests, the original idea came from flat pack furniture ! (have a look at the cam an pin next time you build a bit of ikea)
"clicking" is a detent ball on the back of the cam housing held down with a wave washer,lets you have the cam held in the open position ready for a quick change

McLaren nosebox fasteners are inhouse designed titanium bullets x4 on the tub locating into 1/4 turn overlock cam fasteners in the nose . ( Think of the ikea furniture principle )

The same fastener locates the front frames for setup and lifting the car on the airlifters during garage work

You can buy the older style street or rally ones over here, they have a hairpin spring that your pin with cam slides down and through and then turn 90 degrees, a few of the ever growing number of speed shops have them.

Ever seen an Asian rice burner? help me. You know, large body kits with standard steel wheels, a fat tail pipe and lots of stickers - funny when you see the English stickers applied backwards or upside down etc.....