Manta Mirage rear engine cover

[Blueovalz]

Depends on what you want Jerry. If you've got a means of fabricating a latching release rod or handle, I'd recommend Bearclaw latches (I used the heavy or large latches for the rear being it will be bad news if these fail). I used 1/4" aluminum rod as the pull-pin or handle for mine, which lies forward of the rear hatch edge, and under the door (must open the lower door to pull the latch). The internal spring on the latch is not strong enough to push the striker up out of the latch when you pull the release arm, so that will need to be addressed or thought through. I've been able to do a work-around for that issue, but a much better means could be fabricated for popping the panel up once the latch is released (I was tired of nickle and diming the excessive add-on weight). A simpler, and attractive set-up would also be Aerolatch using a similar arrangement to hood pins, but much much more refined look.

Here is the Bearclaw latch on my project, on the edge of the side-pod cover. but it could also be placed on the firewall panel as well (but that has to be carefully constructed due to angles and hinge geometry. The 1/4" hole on the release lever is what I used (plastic clevis from McMaster Carr) the aluminum rod for, which goes forward into the firewall and under the lower door area.


This is the striker that is on the rear panel.


Put together with the panel down and in place. I simply threaded the ends of the aluminum rod to 1/4 x NC and screwed on a cheap 1" diameter handle (another McMaster part) on the pull end, and a plastic clevis on the latch release end. Keeping all the latch releases hidden from obvious sight keeps prying eyes from going any further when I'm not around. Not shown here is the plate and guide-hole that the 1/4" aluminum rod would eventually go through. Works very well!