Top & Side
Mounting Applications
120 Flush Series & 125 Plus
Flush Series
The following
instructions are to help you
successfully install and use
this unique product. The kit
contains 2 AeroCatches and stud
strikes, all installation fasteners,
rubber bump stops and hood cut-out
template.
Before starting
please familiarize yourself with
the AeroCatch. If you have the
locking version make sure that
it is unlocked - this is when
the key opening is in line with
the main axis of the AeroCatch.
Depress the crescent shaped secondary
lock button and the handle will
pop open by about 10° (the
latch mechanism is still securely
locked at this point), this is
called free travel and allows
you to get hold of the handle
and open the latch - this action
pulls the shear pin clear of
the stud strike. To close the
latch push the handle down until
it engages the secondary lock
button.
Aerocatch Top Mounting
with the 120 Plus Flush Series
and 125 Flush Series AeroCatch
Once you have unpacked your AeroCatch kit you have two options in marking out
the panel cut-out. Either use the packaging cut-outs that the latches sit in
as a template, or use the dimensions shown on the installation drawings enclosed.
Please note that
the cut-outs are different for
the two styles. The packaging
cut-outs are sized for the 120
Plus Flush Series, if you are
using the 125 Flush Series then
you will need to draw a line
that sits inside the cut-out
by 0.4 mm.
Lay the cardboard
packaging sheet out flat, you
will see two sets of cross hairs
on the perimeter of the cut out,
these determine the center of
the stud strike for the AeroCatch.

Check that there
is sufficient room below the
hood line and that it is not
in an area with an excessive
radius (sometimes the effect
of the radius can be reduced
by angling the AeroCatch relative
to the axis of the car). Place
the template onto the hood with
the narrow end facing towards
the front of the car. Using a
straight edge or similar line
up the cross hairs onto the center
of the proposed stud strike position
on the hood, this will give you
the correct position of the AeroCatch
cut-out.
Now mark around
the cut-out, remove the template
and cut as required, if you are
fitting the 125 Flush Series
remember to draw a line 0.4 mm
inside the template. Place the
AeroCatch in position and mark
the fixing holes. Alternatively
use the dimensions on the installation
drawings using the position of
the stud strike as the datum
point.
When setting up
the AeroCatch aim to have the
stud at right angles to the housing
however there is a ± 5° tolerance
to allow for any misalignment.

AeroCatch will
take up a small radius on the
hood but you may wish to fare
around it with silicone in tighter
radius areas. Do not distort
the housing when fixing, as this
will adversely affect its operation
and performance.
The 125 Flush
Series is designed to give a
flush finish in panels up to
2.5 mm in thickness. When using
thinner panels it will be necessary
to pack it out accordingly. It
is not recommended fixing the
latch with countersunk bolts,
as the pull through resistance
will be low, flange head button
screws are provided which have
a small protrusion on the hood.
Alternatively the AeroCatch can
be fastened from below the hood
either with weld studs or by
laying up with a suitable composite
material for the application.
Aerocatch Side Mounting
This mounting method is unique to the AeroCatch.
The same stud
is used as for top mounting but
it enters the side of the latch
enabling panels to be slid onto
the mating structure. The same
method is used for marking out
as for the top mounted system.
It is important
that the stud and AeroCatch axis
are at right angles to ensure
smooth operation. Setting up
and operation is the same as
for top mounting.

Aerocatch Optional
Sight Window
The underside of the handle is marked with a suggested cut-out for a sight
window that enables you to see that the AeroCatch has engaged the strike stud.
This can be drilled and filed out.
Aerocatch Setting
up and Operation of AeroCatch
It is important when setting up the AeroCatch to ensure it sits firmly on the
rubber bump stops supplied. These are cut to length and slid over the stud
strikes. You should install the stud strike to a position such that you need
to put a little pressure on the hood when closing it so that the load is kept
on the bump stops. When setting up the AeroCatch the shear pin needs to engage
the slot in the stud, adjust the stud so that the shear pin engages at the
top of the slot and slightly compresses the bump stops to ensure a snug fit.
The bump stops are supplied 40 mm long and can be cut down as required. Any
existing panel stops should be adjusted accordingly.
When adjusting
the studs to get the correct
fit you can see the engagement
of the shear pin in the stud
by opening the latch to the free
travel position.
Once set up operation
of the AeroCatch is simple, push
the crescent shaped button, the
handle pops up, pull the handle
back and the latch opens. The
open handle gives a visual indication
that the AeroCatch is undone
and in many cases can be seen
by the driver. To close the latch
just push the handle down until
it engages with the secondary
lock button, an audible click
can be heard as it locks.
Aerocatch Retrofit
AeroCatch can be retrofitted onto existing stud strikes, providing they fit
into the aperture.
The stud strike
that protrudes through the hood
will need to be lowered approximately
20 mm from its front position.
With conventional hood pins,
and you need to check that there
is sufficient clearance below
the hood line to accommodate
the housing. If the existing
position does not allow this
or is on a radius move the mounting
position accordingly. When setting
up the AeroCatch aim to have
the stud at right angles to the
housing however there is a ± 5° tolerance
to allow for any misalignment.
They should be Top Secret!
All Dimensions in millimeters.
Please note the drawing
below details dimensions
for the PLUS FLUSH and
FLUSH versions of the
AeroCatch. Also, please
note that either version
is available with or
without the key-lock
feature. The drawings
are for dimensional purposes
only.


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