Feb 15, 2024     Cabin air and parking brake brackets - (1 hour)       Category: Instrument Panel

Finally got back out into the shop and the project after two weeks away due to a pinched nerve in my back. Cut the extra bracket I received from AFS for the parking brake and cabin heat cables. Not exactly sure where I'll locate them until I get a chance to sit in the cockpit and ensure leg clearance.

  Oct 18, 2023     Bench panel assembly - (3 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

Drilled out the four rivets holding the rear support angle to the subpanel. Reinstalled the angle on the correct side of the subpanel and secured to the Avidyne nav tray. Reassembled the subpanel on the bench and began routing the cables of the various components to the ACM. Temporarily installed the Avidyne navigator to the panel. It installs from the front using an Allen screw to move it forward into the connectors in the rear.

  Oct 17, 2023     Panel and subpanel removal - (3 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

Routed the intercom cable to test for fit. Tried to install the Navigator and realized it needs to be installed from the rear. Installed the rear bracket/connectors to the navigator tray. Removed both the panel and subpanel to install the navigator tray. The rear tray angle mount was installed on the wrong side of the subpanel, so those rivets will have to be drilled out and reinstalled on the correct side. Lots of connectors and cables between the ACM and the rear of the PFD.

  Oct 16, 2023     More panel populating - (3 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

Finished installing non ferrous fasteners to the ADHRS mounting bracket. Added some lightening hole trim to the subpanel to protect the avionics wires. Installed both EFIS screens plus the comm and AP controls to the panel. Did some tentative cable routing and installation of several cables to the ACM. Also removed and rerouted the flap position indicator wire through the wing spar, through the center floor and up the left corrugated tubing to the panel. Plan to remove the panel and clean up some of the wire bundles.

  Apr 19, 2023     More throttle, mixture and alt air cables - (4 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

Began by shortening the throttle cable and rod end bearing by 1/4” inch. That seems to be enough to reduce the gap at the throttle bracket and mixture knob. Adjusted the arm throw at the fuel injector servo also. Checked mixture cable for full travel. Installed the cable for the alt air door and trimmed the excess. Installed both eyeball pass throughs for the mixture and alt air door cables. Tried to install the prop governor cable into the rod end bearing by spinning the entire cable without any luck. I called Vans and that is what they suggested also, so I'll try again.
Sealed up the left fuel tank cap and pressurized the tank for leak test. Seems to be holding for the time being, but that is what it's done before. I'll check on it again before bed.

  May 27, 2022     Throttle bracket - (1 hour)       Category: Instrument Panel

Spent some time trying to layout my throttle bracket(s). Advanced flight is going to fabricate the upper one, but I'm sending the lower one for the noted cables.

  Jan 04, 2022     Riveted angle - (2.5 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

Riveted angle to back of instrument panel in preparation for shipping to Advanced Flight Systems. Also riveted both small angles to the outside edge of the panel. Used AN426-5 rivets since the -6 rivets called out on the drawing seemed a bit long. The -5s worked well along with the pneumatic squeezer. Also used the fat bottomed squeezer heads so I wouldn't have to be so “dead eye dick” with the squeezer. Took a selfie with the instrument panel clamped to the bench. Don't pay attention to the position of the squeezer, I'm a rookie selfie taker. Placed some rivets into some misdrilled holes that I thought I needed for nutplates. Filed the backside flush with the panel to accommodate the angle the panel attaches to.

  Dec 29, 2021     Angle attachment - (2 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

Continued prep of instrument panel for attachment of support angle. Scuffed, masked and primed area on back of panel where angle attaches. Countersunk holes on front of panel for rivets. Painted oil door frame.

  Dec 22, 2021     Instrument panel - (2 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

Removed angle (F703-B) from instrument panel (F-703) to deburr and prep for assembly. Need to get it ready to ship to Advanced Avionics for panel build. Drawing says to use 426-6 rivets, but they seem way too long. Gonna try -5s and see how it goes. Also sanded down bad paint on oil door frame and primed with the standard grey rattle can paint from Napa.