Control panel clamps

[Lilwolf]

I tried moving the clamps on my control panel (for few reasons) and I cant get it lined up right.

I can't get it aligned right.  Too tight, and it wont snap down (even if I can get it that far down).   It seems like I'm doing something wrong.

btw... I moved them from the sides to the front... I don't know if that will make a differance.

Is it just they have to be setup perfect?

Is there any more forgiving clamps?  (I would put up a picture, but my wife has the digital camera and shes away for the weekend... and trying to get it done before she gets back).  Its a very simple little thing.. no springs, just a hook and a lever to move down.

Thanks

[cdbrown]

I don't know if any of this will help but...
I'm using suitcase clamps (hook, lever).  I put the clamp together, drilled the holes for the hook part and installed that.  I then put the lever back on and into secured position (level pushed down).  I then pulled the lever section down and marked the holes for drilling.  Removed the level and then drilled the holes - but I drilled them slightly below the markings.  I did this so that when I clamp it the clamps really pull the panel down onto the cab.  Unfortunately I haven't taken any pics of the clamps but here is a really crappy sketch.

The hook seciton is connected to a small piece of wood which is then connected to underside of panel.  Panel clamps probably don't need that step.  

[jerryjanis]

I'm using suitcase clamps (hook, lever).

That's a great idea!

[Xiaou2]

cdbrown's description is correct and works well.

 However... suitcase clamps may give out after a while as they arnt near as durrable as panel clamps.
 
 If you are using Happs panel clamps... notice on the sides how much spring travel there is (slot length).  And so when drilling slightly below the drawn dots... use like half of the slot lenght as bit of a gauge to how far down to drill.

(you could even measure and draw a new dot under the initial measurements)

[jerryjanis]

Hee hee...  Just last night my solution to the "control panel clamp" problem instantly broke during a very heated moment of Super Contra.  

I use hooks and eye screws to hold the panel on, but the little piece of wood that I had them screwed into split and the whole panel just dropped to our feet.  Amazingly repairs were easy, even though the damage looked pretty severe at first and ended our evening of video gaming.

(Sorry, it's sort of OT, but I've been itching to mention and this was as good a place as any!)

[cdbrown]

It was suggested to me to use hooks and eyelets, but thankfully after having a look at it I realised it wouldn't hold the panel securely to the cab.  But it would have been very easy to install.  Now after hearing that I am very glad I went with the clamps - they are very secure.

[Lilwolf]

do the happs ones really use springs?  It looks similar in design to what I have.  If its more forgiving I will order one... but not looking forward to ordering it if I have the same problems.

I am trying to model it to what was originally there...

It originally had the clamp directly against the wood, but the hook was out about an inch (the hook looks like an upside down U so one side you grap onto, the other holds the control panel against the wood).  I'm actually pretty supprised it wont stay down... just can't figure out what is going wrong... sigh...

btw... why I'm doing this is I found some better hooks.  (well, the ability to mass produce hooks).  But they where a little longer then the other.  but it seemed moving the clamp down the same distance should have made up for it...

anyway... want this to be finished..  So I can get back to the fun stuff...

[hyiu]

yes, the happs ones are great... and the hinge does have a strong spring....and it snaps when you lock it in...

I think its very good... I think bob roberts also carry it and its slightly cheaper... (but I think you need to order 5 each time....)

[Lilwolf]

checked therealbobroberts

he has them for a buck cheaper... but you need 2...  

seems like a good thing to me.  Hopefully I can use my new hooks with it...

but I like bobroberts.  I was EXTREMELY pleased with my past orders.... happs pissed me off.  

Also could use a few other items...

[Gideon]

Removed the level and then drilled the holes - but I drilled them slightly below the markings.  I did this so that when I clamp it the clamps really pull the panel down onto the cab.

I like your thinking.

[cdbrown]

I like your thinking.

I'm glad some one does  

[Lilwolf]

what??

start off by measuring...  doesn't work... little loose
move it down a little...  too tight...
move it up... just right... still no...
give up... just right.

It now seems like the setup can't move at all out of its original position (control panel clasp that is)..  Very Very unforgiving.

I'm going to try one more thing... and then give up...

but I happen to have about 2 feet of 'test areas'... So I shouldn't chew up the wood that bad.