1/11/06 Update

The final list that I submitted to Milspec is attached here (only names listed for privacy).  Each participant can now contact Milspec at 352-735-0065 to purchase their kit.  When contacting Milspec, let them know that you are a member of the Vansairforce RV group buy.  All customers have until 2/10/06 to contact Milspec and arrange for purchase, as the discount will be discontinued after that time.  As a reminder...all payment and product shipping will go direct through Milspec.

CamlocGroupBuy 1-11-06r1.xls

Per members request, I confirmed the 30% discount will also be applied to the following tools:

• 4P3 Camloc Pliers
• T26 Snap Ring Pliers
• T16 Drill Jig

Camlocs Group Buy

Given the horror stories I've heard on RV cowling hinges and the obvious maintenance benefits of camlocs, I've decided to install the a full camloc fastener kit on my Sam James cowling (RV-7A).  The current prices for these fasteners are not cheap, and I was able to negotiate a deal with one of the leading suppliers that sells camloc kits for RVs (www.milspecproducts.com).  I'm not at all affiliated with their products...only looking to save some money.

I suggest that each potential buyer review the milspec website for specific details, but I wanted to provide a brief overview of the product and company as I understand:

Company Info

• Milspec makes the camlocs themselves, and they used to sell to Skybolt.
• Milspec tyically ships within 24 hours (although it may take slightly longer with the group buy).

General Info

• Kits available in most any RV, Lancair, or certified A/C flavor (http://www.milspecproducts.com/cowlkits.htm#rv).
• Kits can be purchased for sides only, firewall only, or complete cowling.
• Kits come in either Phillips or Slotted heads (slotted supposedly have a collared slot to keep screwdriver from slipping).
• Camlocs employed in RV kits are the heavy-duty 4000 series.
• The camloc stud and grommet are stainless steel (not cad plated).  The receptacle is light weight aluminum, and it has an adjustable depth feature.

Kit Contents

• The kits include studs, grommets, receptacles, snap rings, a drill template, and installation instructions.
• Number of pieces included depends on the kit ordered.  As an example, the full RV7 kit includes 48 studs and receptacles (for 3" spacing). The firewall only kit includes 26 studs and receptacles, while the side kit includes 20.

Sample Kit

Given I had no experience with their products or kit, I asked them to send me a sample (which they happily obliged).  They seemed to be nice high-quality fasteners, and it appears these will be easy to install (based on the instructions).  This is not a picture of the actual kit contents...only a sample of what they sent me to evaluate.

I am not intimately familiar with the Skybolt camlocs, but I believe these are equivalent or better than those units.  As you can see from Mickey Coggin's photo, they appear to look identical.

http://www.rv8.ch/images/articles/20050820110924272_1_original.JPG

In speaking with Milspec further, I understand some improvements were apparently made on Milspec receptacles (vs Skybolt):

• Metal (as opposed to plastic) anti-lock pin
• Solid edge on locking clip (as opposed to v-groove) to provide more bearing surface
• Deeper locking groove to provide more positive locking

Tools Required

• The kits come with a drill template include.
• Camloc pliers (MS-4P3, $21) are the only tools absolutely necessary to install the units.
• Many people opt for the snap ring installation tool (MS-T26, $16), and there is a drill jig that is apparently advantageous as well (MS-T16, $25).
• If users do not wish to purchase tools, they have a rental program. You buy the tool up front, then they refund half your money when it is returned (assuming it is in reasonable condition).

The “Deal”

• Due to the large number of respondents, members in the group buy will receive 30% off the kit of their choosing (see the Milspec website above for each kit price). 
• A full RV7 Phillips kit cost will be reduced from $452.94 to $317.06!

How to Purchase

• Email me direct (tx_jayhawk@excite.com) to be included in this deal.  I need your name, address, phone number, and kit p/n (from website) you plan on purchasing.
• I am posting the attached list of respondents as of 2:00 PM CST on 1/7/06.  For privacy purposes, I am including names only.  Please reference the comments column to determine if any additional information is needed from you.

Milspec Kit 1-7.xls

• I ask that everyone confirm that they still wish to be a part of the group buy.  If you want to still be on the list, no action is needed.  If you have changed your mind (or haven't previously been added), please let me know by 1/11/06.  t is assumed that you will be purchasing the specified kit if you are on the list.
• When confirming kit information, please reference the kit p/n from Milspec website.  You will need to determine the following:
  • Airframe type
  • Full kit, sides only, or firewall only
  • Phillips or slotted
• List will be forwarded to Milspec per prior arrangement on 1/11/06.  Each individual buyer will then be responsible for contacting Milspec. to arrange for payment and shipping information. I am not taking money nor shipping product…this is all going direct through the company (I’m just facilitating the deal). The buyer will have 30 days to contact Milspec to order and identify themselves as a member of the group buy.  When contacting Milspec., let them know that you are a member of the Vansairforce RV group buy.  After 1/11/06, Milspec will have a copy of the final list (with all contact info), and they will verify your information as a member of the group discount.
• Tools purchases are handled direct through the company.  I do not need that information to be on the list.

Q and A:

What tools are included in the kits?  I understand Skybolt includes tools in their kits?

• The only tool included in the Milspec kit is the drilling template.  Other tools can be purchased for a reasonable price (see above), but they are not included.  I spoke with Skybolt on 1/5/06, and they said that they do NOT currently include camloc pliers with their new kits.  The only tool Skybolt currently includes is the drilling template, so I believe both companies kits have equivalent tools included.  The woman on the phone at Skybolt did not know whether they might have previously included tools in the past, but she was certain that they did not currently.

What is fiberglass needed for?  I heard it was required?

• To increase rigidity of the cowling between fasteners, fiberglass can be used to create stiffeners around the lip.  This is not required, but it is likely a good practice to ensure a tight fight.