I feel like I’m all over the place in the plans as I wait for others parts, tools etc. I had previously primed the first set of forward fuselage parts so I started riveting those to keep moving forward. I… Read More »Forward Fuselage Seat Brackets
My backordered forward center section bulkhead arrived last week so I started on it today. This is where the fuselage kit would normally begin. The first step is cutting some stiffener angles to size that are then match drilled the… Read More »Forward Center Section Bulkhead
I started riveting the firewall yesterday but I noticed a problem before getting too far. The WD-1002-R-PC upper firewall bracket does not align well with the F-1004G-L rivet line. I clecoed the F-1040-R side channel into place to check the… Read More »Firewall Riveting
I completed the small task of installing the extensions for the flap actuator. This is easier to do now before the bottom skins are riveted into place. I riveted the nutplates to the extensions with the pneumatic squeezer. I then… Read More »Flap Actuator Extensions Installed
Another batch of parts primed and ready for riveting. This includes all of the firewall parts and few extra from the next section of the plans. Oh, and my forward center section bulkhead arrived today (had been backordered for a… Read More »Firewall Parts Primed
I ordered two Airward tunnel access panels to install into the forward fuselage tunnel. As other builders have noted, this simplifies access to the fuel filter and fuel lines during inspections. I could have fashioned my own panels but I… Read More »Tunnel Access Panels
I continued to the end of the firewall section today to get everything ready for priming. I also jumped ahead to prep the initial parts for the forward fuselage as there is a batch of parts in that section that… Read More »Firewall Parts Ready for Priming
The final step before riveting the firewall is to countersink all of the parts that rivet to the back of the firewall (to accept the dimples). This was a simple enough task, just lots of countersinks. I also got started… Read More »Firewall Assembly Countersinking
While waiting for the primer to cure I got back to work on the firewall. I had previously decided to order a new firewall recess and not upsize the holes this time. I’ll plan on making whatever changes I need… Read More »Back to the Firewall
I etched the bottom skins and flap actuator parts to get them ready for priming. I then alodined then antenna doubler plates. This was my first time using alodine. I think it worked? Parts are a light golden color. I… Read More »Mid Fuselage Skins Primed
