Nov 182015
 

Drilled the main gear axles for the retaining nuts, no pics.   Made a new form for the VS nose rib.  Finally got it right but now I’ve exhausted my supply of aluminum sheet so I’ll order some more.  From top to bottom; original Vans rib, first attempt, second attempt and new (hopefully) last template.  The new wood form is shown.

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Installed one of the NACA vents using Fire Barrier 2000+.  Held in with clecos and also with some external force using the aluminum tube as a brace to force it against the skin.

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Installed the firewall passthroughs with FB 2000+ as well.  These are held in place with all steel rivets and small washers on both sides of the firewall.  I slathered on FB 2000+.  Can’t hurt even though it’s a bit ugly.  In the first picture the stainless steel cover is puckered out a bit but I assure you it fits snugly against the firewall edge.  The cowl hinge will be placed there so I’ll goop a bunch of FB 2000+ in the crack when I final rivet the hinge in place.

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The only thing that was preventing the removable portion of the panel from coming off easily were the wires for the three enunciator lights since the wires are soldered on and the lights insert from the front of the panel.  So I added small molex connectors to facilitate removal of the panel.  I also unscrewed the GTN 650 case in preparation for riveting on the forward top skin.  I need to get a bucking bar in there and it was in the way.

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 Posted by at 6:12 PM