Posted for "Dan Schaefer" <dfs155@adelphia.net>:

 Pat, I didn't like the original four latches prescribed for my early 235
either, so I designed my own system that uses two over-center levers, one on
each side of the fuselage within easy reach, each operating two articulated
latches per side. They have been holding my canopy securely latched since 1993
so I guess I can attest that they work as required.
 
 I've got some photos of the design stashed away somewhere in my PC (I
 think) so will try to find them and send them to you.
 
 Some criteria I imposed on myself was the ability to close and latch (and of
course, open) the canopy from the outside for the times when the airplane was
left somewhere like on a trip. That part of the system is a little
"Mickey-mouse" as one needs to make a special tool to lock and unlock from the
outside but it works so, for me, it's acceptable.
 
 If interested, and I can find the pics, let me know and I'll post them - I
think I've sent them to the list a long time ago but I don't know whether
they're in the LML archives or not.
 
 Dan Schaefer
 Early 235 - N235SP

[Dan, and Pat, and whoever... the photos documenting Dan's latching system are
included on the LML website... just choose the 'Canopy' menu item.  Ya can't
miss them.    <marv>   ]