Piper COMANCHE PA-24-180 Service Manual page 113

FIGURE 4-5. DOOR INSTALLATION
k Install interior trim panels
I Refer to Table I1-11 for proper torques of attachment hardware
4-39 Installation of Cabin Door. The entrance door on the Comanche is made of formed aluminum
assemblies spot welded together. This type of construction gives a ridged assembly. but still retains the
flexibility needed for proper fitting of the door
When installing a new door. follow the procedure given below
a Temporarily mount the new door on the fuselage using two 10-32 bolts at the hinge points As the
door will be removed from time to time during fitting. the bolts will make the door easy to remove.
b.
Swing the door closed and check for alignment of the main door latch and the auxiliary latch with
their respective latch striker plate. If the door fails to align. remove it and reposition the two serrated door
hinge bushings (See I. Figure 4-5.) Repeat the above procedure until the door is properly aligned.
c Once the door is properly aligned with the door frame. the procedure of trimming and fitting the
door can be started Using a small pair of metal shears and a file. trim the door edges until there is an
approximate clearance of 1 8 inch between the fuselage skin edge and the door edge. (See Figure 4-5 )
d. After the door is fitted. use a short piece of 1 4 inch diameter dowl and a hammer to contour the
edges of the door to align with the fuselage skin.
e With the door removed use sandpaper to smooth the rough edges Replace the door using the
required hinge pins. staked with roll pins. Install the door holding assembly Apply a light coat of oil to the
latch assemblies
4-40. Adjustment Of Door Locking Mechanism. (PA-24-250. Serial Nos 24-2844 to 24-3284) The
following is the procedure for adjusting the door latching mechanism on the Comanche. (Refer to Figure
4-6 )
a With only the door opening mechanism and handle installed. adjust rods (3)and (4) so that latches
I) and (2) are fully extended when the door handle is in lock position (full forward): (I) retracted when
(2) is in closed position (neutral handle position - no force applied): and finally ( I) and (2) retracted when
door handlc is in open position (handle in full rear position.)
REVISED: 4/10/81 STRUCTURE
PIPER COMANCHE SERVICE MANUAL
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