This actually took me several days but I was too busy to update my builders log. Surprisingly this section was a little challenging with some of the rivets. It begins quite straight forward but I ended up using the offset and having to have my mentor help me set some of the more difficult rivets in the sub panel frame. Definitely need to pay attention to the order of these rivets and the lengths.
Once I got the sub panel assembly put together though, it was very satisfying to put into the plane. Seeing the cockpit take shape really gave me an appreciation for how beautiful this plane design is—the look that leads most of us to choose Vans' (along with its performance).
This is the time you need to install the canopy jettison handle. I am not planning on mounting this in my panel as it would interfere with my G5 but I am still installing the mechanism so that I can easily remove my canopy if I need to. I still have time to change my mind on this but I am not planning on doing any serious aerobatics and so I don't really think I want to have the option to jettison the canopy.
That said, making the pieces was quite fun. I began with a hacksaw along the CL of the aluminum tubing and then used the band saw (was able to slide the thing sand paper inside the slits) and just sanded down until the pieces fit nicely into the slots I had carved.
I also have decided to stick with the piano hinges and return the Skybolt fasteners. It sounds like it will be a pain in the butt to remove them but I really prefer the look of the seamless lines and also I don't like the puffing that occurs in between the cam locks as I have noticed on several RV's that have the Skybolt's.
Just need to put it all together and then I will be all done with this section!
So I have to finish the piano hinges and then dimple the rest of the top skin. I don't plan on riveting this on until after my panel goes in so that will sit on the side for quite some time.