I have completed everything that I can behind the panel (avionics prep, wiring of the electrical system backbone, brake and fuel lines, firewall hardware, etc.) so it was time to proceed with installing the upper forward fuselage skin. This will allow me to proceed with installing the windows.
I didn’t follow the order in the plans here as this allowed me to keep this area accessible longer. To install the upper forward I riveted the substructure to the firewall and fuselage, then installed the skin. This worked well and I was able to complete the riveting without assistance.
I then sealed the edges of the firewall, removed the remaining backing from the firewall heat shield, and riveted the cowl hinges into place.
