I found lots of old threads all over the internet about the latched and springs, but it appears that they guy that used to make them is no longer with us.

I have a '53, it appears that the mousetrap spring is broken. Does anyone have a current source for them? I"d prefer not to go the route of making my own.

Pretty sure Bruce on the 170 forum still makes them for 170s. Not sure if they are the same?

I found mine on Amazon! Not sure what your part number is, but it’s worth checking it out.

(for my ‘68 182)

Cessna Baggage Door Latch Repair Kit Spring S1359-7, S1359-8 & 9 https://a.co/d/cxpOvdP

FOR SALE: At your request, I can make fresh "mouse-
trap" springs, part #0411554/0511247-1, for your door
latches. This is a copy of the original door catch spring.
Fits all years and models of Cessna 170 and early 172.
Two springs for $15+ mailing. Also, available door handle
return springs found on 170 serial 27373 and on, but
retrofittable to all 170 and early 172 model door latches
part #0511119. Two springs for $25+ mailing. Email
[email protected]

daedaluscan wrote:FOR SALE: At your request, I can make fresh "mouse-
trap" springs, part #0411554/0511247-1, for your door
latches. This is a copy of the original door catch spring.
Fits all years and models of Cessna 170 and early 172.
Two springs for $15+ mailing. Also, available door handle
return springs found on 170 serial 27373 and on, but
retrofittable to all 170 and early 172 model door latches
part #0511119. Two springs for $25+ mailing. Email
[email protected]

I haven't gotten a chance to install them yet, but I had Bruce make me some owner produced parts for my early 172, they shipped quickly and look great!

Years ago, someone in the 120/140 Assn provided instructions on making a jig for bending up your own mosuetrap springs from music wire.
I made a jig, made a few springs (which worked only so-so), but gave away the jig when I sold my 170.
I asked the guy I gave it to, to see if he could find it.
He found it & will be giving it back to me, I'll post a pic when he does.

The Amazon one was way weaker than the original, and was hard to make work, but it worked.

hotrod180 wrote: Years ago, someone in the 120/140 Assn provided instructions on making a jig for bending up your own mousetrap springs from music wire.... .

Here's the pic.
The wood is .645" thick.
I used .032 music wire.
An 1/8" drill bit goes in the hole,
You put the wire in the saw-slot, wrap it around both sides of the wood,
take two turns around the drill bit, and cut the tails off at 1-1/16".

The springs I made for my 170 weren't all that satisfactory,
but they were better than the broken springs they replaced.

Here ya go....

Thank you! Filed away for future use.
I love collecting useful information like this and occasionally actually use it or have it to share with someone in need.

dsbur wrote: Here ya go....

Yes, that's what I used when I made my jig.
Thanks for posting.

I emailed Bruce, but got no response.