Product category:
Knobs, Handles and Enclosure Hardware
News Release from: Protex Fasteners | Subject: 50-1535 fastener
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 14 July 2003
Fasteners hold radical sportscar
bodywork fast
Radical Sportscars is the latest specialist vehicle manufacturer to specify quick-release over-centre catches from Protex Fasteners to secure body panels on its range of high-performance vehicles.
Radical Sportscars is the latest specialist vehicle manufacturer to specify quick-release over-centre catches from Protex Fasteners to secure body panels on its range of high-performance vehicles The Protex products have been chosen by Radical to enable its SR3-LM Tracksport cars to meet stringent SVA (single vehicle approval) safety requirements, by providing high strength, flush panel fitment without any protrusions from the bodywork
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 16 May 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
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The selected type 50-1535 fastener is a shortened version of Protex's type 50-535 standard range adjustable catch, which is available in both stainless steel or mild steel with passivated zinc plate finish.
The new unit's over-centre design provides positive panel location and a simple locking action without the need for additional tools, such as a screwdriver or coin.
It also has the ability to accommodate a range of panel widths and is compatible with a wide variety of catchplate designs - enabling its use to be standardised throughout the vehicle.
Each of the 16 fasteners employed to secure the car's nose, centre section and rear bodywork delivers an ultimate strength of 3432N, ensuring rigid retention of the composite moulded panels under high aerodynamic and cornering loads.
In addition, a pair of Protex 18-1204 over-centre catches and 01-613 catchplates retain the vehicle's carbon fibre airbox, and two type 20-504 fasteners are used to rigidly locate fire-extinguisher systems on Radical track cars.
"With an all-up weight of around 500kg, lightness and performance are key attributes of our vehicles", commented Radical's cofounder, Mick Hyde.
"Protex fasteners are not only stronger, but more compact and reliable than those of its competitors - making them the ideal choice for our applications.
A simple modification to the original design ensured that these qualities were retained, while enabling us to meet recently tightened safety regulations for road going vehicles".
"Such has been the success of the new 50-1535 variant - and its suitability for other specialist vehicle manufacturers - that it is likely to be added to our standard product range in the near future", added Protex's Marketing Manager, Mike Rogers.
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