Dec 25, 2023     Access Panels - (3 hours)       Category: Fuselage

I went out and riveted the last access panel support ring in place. It took so long because I had to cleo the forward fuselage skin in place so everything would be at the right curvature. It was hard getting the holes to line up and so I think, when I go to actually rivet the skin in place, that is going to be a real bear!
In any event, I riveted the support ring in place, cleaned up the RTV I used to make it watertight and removed the forward skin. Now that can go off to the side until I have tested the avionics and made sure no radical changes are needed.
Went back out and connected the P-Mag #2 switch.
Also ran the additional wire needed to go from the original Defrost/Avionice Fan location to the new location - caused by swapping the fan switch with the Alternate Static Source switch.

  Dec 24, 2023     Primarily Access Panels - (5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Started out putting in the Low Oil Pressure light, the Low Voltage light, and the Alternate Static Source switch.
The next thing I did was finish the connections to the #1 PMag switch.
Finally, on to the access panels. I put red RTV on the mating surface of the access panel support ring and then riveted both center support rings in place.
Went back out and finished the left side access panel - it mostly just needed to be riveted on. I clecoed the fuselage skin in place on the flat side to get the appropriate curve to the skin, put the RTV in place and then riveted the support ring in place and then cleaned out all of the RTV squeeze out.
Oh yeah, I also had to move the Alternate Static Source switch because of poor planning - the place where I put the opening for the alternate static source right next to a fan so it would be in an area of low pressure, versus ambient pressure.

  Dec 23, 2023     Forward Fuselage Access Panel - (5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Primed and painted the access panel rings, the access panels, and the bottom of the forward fuselage skin.
Dimpled the holes on the upper firewall flange. Had to put the dimples in place and squeeze it with a wrench and then squeeze it completely with vice grips.
Did 2 connections on the #1 PMag switch.

  Dec 22, 2023     Forward fuselage Access Panels - (2 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Finished trimming the openings for the center two access panels on the forward fuselage. This gives me 4 openings in the forward fuselage to do any wiring changes.
I need to dimple the forward fuselage skin, prime it, and paint it. I think I will be painting it gloss white. At the same time, I need to prime and paint the retaining rings and access panels (interior only).

  Dec 20, 2023     Access Panel - (1 hour)       Category: Fuselage

Got out to do a little work before going to work. Finished the access hole for the left side of the centerline.

  Dec 19, 2023     Access Panels - (3 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Started out by putting in a power wire from the #1 PMag switch to the engine side of the firewall. I had to know how much more wire to get for the second one since I am short of 18AWG Red wire.
Next, I put a 45�itting on the manifold on the firewall and mounted an oil pressure switch on it. This switch feeds a relay that will illuminate a “OIL” red low pressure light when oil pressure is less than 4 psi; when pressure is higher than that, the light goes out and the Hobbs meter is powered. I sealed the other sensors in the manifold as well as sealing the plugs on the unused outlets.
Then I put the forward fuselage skin on the plane. It was initially to check where the defrost/avionics fans were but then I decided to go ahead and put in the access panels on the centerline. I had previously had smaller access panels that I was never very happy with. I was able to drill all of the holes on the support panel and the panel. I drew the outline of the panel on the fuselage and cut one side out before I ran out of time.
Tomorrow, tomorrow, I'll get it tomorrow. It's only a day away.

  Oct 01, 2023     Last of the cabin wiring - (6 hours)       Category: Fuselage

The last of the cabin wiring that has to go forward to the firewall is from the Infinity stick grips. This is the trim, PTT, autopilot disconnect, frequency flip/flop, Ident, and the smoke switch (currently not in use or planned for but if I change my mind in the future, I will just have to connect a relay to this wire). Both of the wire bundles will terminate under the floor in two 8-connector terminal blocks. From there most of the wires will go forward to the firewall but two will stay in the cabin and 4 of them join together. First, I had to fabricate a platform for the two 8-connector terminal blocks. Using a section of F-704K (that I thought was scrap but now might need to be replaced), I cut out a section that could hold both terminal blocks. Then I mounted the blocks and a couple of wire rings. Next, I started cutting the wires, putting on terminals for #6 screws, labeling the wires and connecting them to the terminal blocks. With all of the wires coming from the control stick grips mounted on one side of the terminal blocks, I got the other side ready with the wires that would actually go forward. I got two bundles of 4-conductor wires for the trim and a jacketed 4-conductor wire for the frequency flip/flop, the Ident, and the two PTT wires. Add to those wires the two ground wires and that was the bundle that went forward. I pulled that bundle forward and now I have to wait for more #6 screw terminals to come in so I can connect those wires to the terminal blocks.

  Sep 26, 2023     Cowling - (2 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Starting the cowling, this monster of a job. The first thing to do is to rivet the piano hinge to the sides for the lower cowl to fasten to. I figured how long the piano hinge needed to be -16". Cut that section of piano hinge to length and fastened it to the side of the fuselage then I match drilled it. Looked at the plans again and realized that I needed a .020" shim between the piano hinge and the fuselage. After cutting and drilling a piece that was .020", I remeasured it and realized it is .020" with the blue plastic in place - oops. Then I found a stash of .020" shims that were about 4' long and 1/2" wide - perfect. I clipped it to the piano hinge and match drilled it. Now it is complete - I just need to prime the shim and then rivet the piano hinge to the fuselage. I need to prep the piano hinge for the other side too.
I realized that the Skybolt flanges that I riveted to the bottom of the firewall also need a .020" shim too. Guess I'll get to drill out those rivets, put the shim in place and rivet them back into place. It was nice when I was ignorant of that requirement. That is a problem for another day.

  Jul 10, 2023     Rudder Skin - (4 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Replaced the bad rivet. It isn't perfect - it is about as proud as the one I replaced but I will cause more damage than fixing if I try to get it any better. Kelly helped me hold the skins as much out of the way as possible.
Cleaned out the rivet holes in the rudder skeleton.
Bent the leading edge of the top 4" section - the tools I have for that worked very good. Might not work as well when I have reduced area to work in but I guess we will see.
Managed to rivet most of one side of the rudder skin

  Jul 02, 2023     Rudder Pedals and Brakes, Ventilation - (3 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Hooked up the ventilation intakes with the outlets.
Put the rudder/brake pedals back in the airplane, for good this time. Tightened down all of the fittings. Also made a cushion clamp fitting to hold the hoses as they go through the center rudder pedal support.
Replaced the two-sided tape with glue on the wood spacers for the forward cockpit wood floor.
Just about ready to put the forward upper fuselage sections back in place, for good.

  Jun 25, 2023     Fuel Vent Lines, Fuel Lines - (3 hours)       Category: Fuselage

I showed my wife how an AN sleeve and nut goes on a tube before you flare the tube and that order is very important. Then I flared the tubing for a fitting and found I forgot to put on the sleeve and nut. Finished the right vent tube.
Worked on a doubler for the fuel line through the firewall fitting.

  Jun 24, 2023     Fuel Valve, Fuel Vent - (5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Mounted the fuel valve, fuel filter and fuel pump. Something that should have taken almost no time took hours. Serious problems with. nutplates - broke two screws and had to start over each time. Finally got it in place.
Went on to flare the fittings for the fuel vent lines. Got the left side completed and in place.

  Jun 20, 2023     Reinforcement/Ducts - (2 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Put the reinforcements in place and torqued them down.
Hooked up ducting to the fresh air vents. Not a lot today but every little bit...

  Jun 19, 2023     Cockpit Floor/Engine Mount - (4 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Got my wife out there to buck two rivets in the floor (to close holes that are used by nose gear planes).
Then I put the bottom Skybolt flanges in place for the cowling. Also cut the reliefs needed for the landing gear.

  Jun 06, 2023     Center Section Fuel Cover - (4 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Working on nut plates - still! Got some nut plates that had been ordered and began installing them. Finally finished one side of the center section fuel cover. Did the second side and that took a lot less time.

  May 15, 2023     Center Section Fuel Cover - (3 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Doing more nut plates. Then I decided to follow a bunny trail and set up the F-963A Fuel Valve Plate by drilling the holes for the Andair fuel valve. They say to drill a 1 1/8" hole for the valve and then use the full-size template to drill the holes for the mounting screws. I followed the directions rather than being logical and using the valve for the template, I mean, doesn't Andair know best? The holes were no where close. Now I have to remake the F-963A and use the fuel valve as the template for drilling the holes.

  May 11, 2023     Center Section Fuel Cover - (4 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Lots of nut plates installed. And still more to do.

  May 05, 2023     Fuselage Gusset - (4 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Had to install the F-7114-L and -R Fuselage Gussets. Had to secure them in place and then drill 5 holes on each side through the external skin in through the gussets. Once those were done, I had to mount (temporarily) the F-782A-R and -L Cover Plates. To mount these, I needed to fabricate the F-782D-R and -L Angles. These will be riveted to the F-7101-R and -L Web Gear Attach Gussets. They will be blind riveted in place and then the Cover Plates will be screwed to the Angles. Have a bunch of items that need to be primed and painted, then they can be assembled to the airplane.

  May 04, 2023     Upper Forward Fuselage - (2 hours) Category: Fuselage

Removed the instrument panel and the upper forward fuselage from the airplane. Now I have access to run the fuel vent lines and the fuel lines. Also, I can glue the fresh air vents to the fuselage openings. I will mount the rudder pedals and will have to mount the vertical stabilizer and rudder so I can set the correct length for the rudder cables. I will do a little bit of painting in that area too since I have access.

  Apr 21, 2023     Forward Skin - (2 hours)       Category: Fuselage

My K1100-06 nut plates came in yesterday so today I went out and finished the two centerline access panels. All that is left is dimpling the forward skin and riveting the access panel back plates to the skin.

  Apr 19, 2023     Forward Skin - (2 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Cut the access panel opening for the left centerline access panel and fit the panel in place. Dimpled the screw holes in the access panel. Cut the circles for the Defrost/Avionics Cooling Fans. To do more, I will have to remove the forward skin and dimple it as necessary. Then I can replace it and rivet in the access panel backing plates.

  Apr 15, 2023     Forward Skin - (6 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Did the cutout for the access panel on the left side of the forward skin. Attached all of the nutplates to the access panel backing and put the panel in place. Both outside panels are screwed in place however, the access panel backing on both sides still needs to be riveted to the skin. I will have to remove the skin, dimple all of the #40 holes, put it back in place, and then rivet the access panel backings in place.
I am also putting two smaller access panels (VA-195, from the stall warning wing access panel) just on either side of the aircraft centerline. I don't ever want to have to slide under the instrument panel if I can help it. I have the right side centerline access panel cutout done, I have dimpled all of the holes on the panel and on the access panel backing. I don't have the K1100-06 nut plates so that will have to wait. I have drilled out to 1/2" the corners of the left side centerline access panel opening.

  Apr 12, 2023     Forward Skin - (3.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Working on installing access panel in the forward skin. Drilled the #19 holes to mount the right access panel. Traced around it and then used the Dremel tool with a metal cutting disc. Then used the scotchbrite cutter/pad to get up to the lines. Practice fit, take apart, trim to the line, practice fit, take apart, trim to the line, practice fit, repeat. This is not a fast process. Put nut plates in the base plate screwed the panel to the plate. Final result - fairly good.

  Apr 11, 2023     Forward Skin - (3.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

New forward skin arrived today. Big wooden box - nice to know my $200 for shipping was well spent. Unpacked the box. It also had a VHF antenna for installation once this plane is on it's own two legs. Unpacked the skin - that alone took awhile. Then removed the old skin, clecoed the two skins together and used the old one to match drill the holes for the access panels. Got all of the #40 drill holes done. Put the templates in place anticipating further match drilling for the panel screw holes.

  Apr 08, 2023     Defrost/Avionics Fan - (3 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Practiced installing the avionics cooling fans on the old forward fuselage skin. The circle cutter from Bad Dog tools (an acquisition from Sun N Fun) was perfect for this application. Then I realized that all of the holes I drilled for these cooling fans and the holes from the access panel cutouts can be used. I can cleco the old skin on top of the new skin and then match drill. Once those are drilled, I can use the circle cutter on the avionics fan holes and then CAREFULLY cut out the openings for the access panels.

  Apr 04, 2023     Access Panels - (4 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Purchased a new cutter from Bad Dog Tools. Cuts aluminum and steel using a handheld impact driver (my Ryobi). Thought it would be great for cutting access panels. Did two more practice panels using the VA-195 panel pieces (from the stall warning kit). The cutter didn't do as expected - very hard to get it to cut near but not over the lines. I think I will have to use the Dremel tool to cut the openings. I am going to do 4 access panels - 2 small ones in the middle, and 2 larger ones on the edges. Now waiting for the new skin.
Placed the oil cooler mount (VA-186) on the firewall to determine the optimum position. Then drilled the 1/8" holes. I could rivet it in place but I am leaning toward making a doubler with nut plates and using screws to mount it.

  Mar 28, 2023     Access Panels - (3 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Have the OP-43 Avionics Bay Access Panel kit. Going to use the panels on the side of the forward fuselage skin instead of in the middle. Found the ideal location, rolled the pieces to the correct curvature to fit the fuselage at that point. Drilled all of the holes to mount the panels per the instructions. Put the access panel in place and drew a line around it. Cut the opening in the fuselage skin to fit the panel and got a little too ambitious - went past minimum edge distance (way past) and now have to get a new forward fuselage skin. Doesn't cost too much - $81, but shipping is going to be horrible.

  Mar 25, 2023     Canopy - (2 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Removed the clamps and test-fitted the canopy on the fuselage. Still contacts the fuselage on the right side when opening (I thought the spring effect of the plexiglass would pull it out wide enough to stop that). Tried bending the fuselage in a little bit - that didn't work so well. Proceeded to remove the Sikaflex that was overspray. Still have areas on the powder-coated frame that have the black primer - just have to live with that, I guess.

  Mar 22, 2023     Canopy - (9 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Sanded all of the edges smooth (hopefully smooth enough). Masked off the areas not to be primered. Applied the Sikaflex #205 Activator then the Sikaflex #209 Primer. Some of the tape pulled up off of the powder-coated frame (not much I can do about that, besides, the Sikaflex supposedly won't adhere where there isn't any primer (so they say)). Applied the Sikaflex #295UV white Sikaflex. Very hard to squeeze out using the caulk gun - thick stuff! Placed the frame on the canopy and then clamped it the same as when I had been checking the fit so everything should be the same. Tried to shape the Sikaflex some.
We will see how successful I was in 48 hours. Not supposed to do anything with it so I will have to go occupy myself with something else for now.

  Mar 21, 2023     Canopy - (1 hour)       Category: Fuselage

Was only able to get out for a short while. I sanded the canopy edges - 80 grit, 120, 150, 220 and 400. Hopefully that is enough.

  Mar 20, 2023     Canopy - (4 hours)       Category: Fuselage

The #33 drill bit I ordered came in. I drilled the holes in the canopy frame and secured the C-759 to the frame with blind rivets. Put the canopy on the canopy frame and did the major cuts. Trimmed off a section in the back so the canopy is no longer resting on the fuselage. Trimmed about 1" from the front - the mold lines. With the canopy settled down, I was able to do a final location of the canopy latch hole. Drilled that hole. I used a plexiglass bit to start and then expanded the hole using a step drill. With the canopy in place, I marked the canopy/windscreen cut line and then, taking a big breath, I cut the canopy in two. Then I did a couple of cuts to trim the canopy to fit the C-759 canopy holders. It is cut and fitted. Now what remains is sanding the edges and glueing.

  Mar 17, 2023     Canopy Frame - (2 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Put the canopy on the canopy frame on the airplane. Trimmed the bottom - cut about an inch (taking off some of the mold lines). Took the canopy back off. Took the C-759 canopy supports and put them in place. Drilled the holes and then tried to put the MK-319-BS blind rivets in place. They didn't fit the holes! Measured the rivet and tried using a 7/64" drill bit. Still didn't fit. Did some research and found that they need a #33 drill bit to get the right size hole. Went and ordered the drill bit.

  Mar 12, 2023     Tail Rivets - (3 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Moved the aircraft out into the shop so I could work on the tail. I removed the clecos holding the rear fuselage skins in place and replaced with the appropriate rivets. I also removed the pop rivets installed by the Quickbuild people and replaced them with the correct rivets. There is still one empty rivet hole on each side that I will have to fill with a blind rivet - there is no way that I can buck any sort of rivet there. Put the horizontal stab in place and worked out the best place to mount the GMU-11 magnetometer. That has to be straight along the fuselage or 90 degrees to it. I mounted it at the 90 degree point.

  Mar 09, 2023     Canopy Frame - (4 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Took the 1st C-791 Canopy Skirt Brace and drilled all of the rivet holes. Did the second C-791 - cut the 1 1/4" lightening holes, drilled all of the rivet holes. Deburred and finished. Clecoed both in place. They are both ready for painting.

  Mar 07, 2023     Canopy Frame - (4 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Drilled holes in C-759 on both sides. Painted both of them white (except where the Sikaflex primer will go for canopy attachment. They are ready to rivet into place. Cut the first C-791 to length and drilled the 1 1/4" lightening holes in it. Still need to drill all of the holes in it and in the canopy frame.
Drilled a practice hole in the plexiglass canopy then used a step drill to expand it - worked just fine.

  Feb 20, 2023     Canopy Frame - (3 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Started bending the canopy frame again. Managed to get the center 3/8" higher than the roll bar. Almost ready. Checking the side dimensions - right side is good - 1/16" in from fuselage side. The left side was flush or overflush so had to bend it some more. Bent the left side and now all dimensions are good. The only issue is when the canopy is rolled back, the right side just barely touches the fuselage side - I think with the plexiglass glued on that will not be an issue based on what the instructions say about the canopy should do. Hopefully that is true. Mounted the canopy frame back on the airplane and will put the plexiglass on it to see about where to start cutting.

  Feb 01, 2023     Canopy Rear Track - (4 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Cut the canopy slide rail C-762 and C-763 to the length required by the Supertracks installation. Drilled the holes and then countersunk them for the screws. Drilled out and replaced two of the rivets on the slide rail that were slightly high and catching the sliding block C-661. Now they are flush. Used screws to attach C-762/763 to the fuselage. Trimmed down the end of the right Supertrack (maybe I shouldn't have, or maybe not as much). To attach the canopy slide rail, Kelly was in the fuselage on the floor placing the washers and the nuts and then torquing to the required setting.

  Jan 30, 2023     Canopy Frame - (3 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Cut down the forward canopy frame legs. Now the frame is within 1/8" all around. The back is about 1/16" below the fuselage skin. The top of the canopy is not 3/8" above the roll bar. It is just slightly above it. I'll see if that will work - the manual says 3/8". Drilled the holes for the canopy rails. It is going to be a struggle to get the nuts on the screws that hold the track (to say nothing of the washers).

  Jan 29, 2023     Canopy Frame - (5 hours) Category: Fuselage

Compared the fuselage profile to the canopy frame and it was somewhat off. I put a wood brace on it and used a pipe clamp to reshape it. Success! It is very close now. The front legs were pulling apart so I put a cabinet clamp on them and pulled them together. When done, they seemed pretty much on the money. It is wider than the manual says but people on VansAirForce say this is common so I am not too worried about this. Got the canopy out in the shed and marked the centerline.

  Jan 25, 2023     Canopy Frame - (1 hour)       Category: Fuselage

Used more power to bend the canopy frame - I bent it. Now it won't open. The inner distance is about 40 1/4" at the back end. When sliding the canopy back, it hits the fuselage. Since the canopy will supposedly spread the frame (about 1/2", I put a stretcher on the bars to put the inner distance at about 40 3/4" - it opens but is it enough?

  Jan 07, 2023     Canopy Frame - (6 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Been working on the canopy frame. Have to get the frame so taking a straight edge on the fuselage, the frame is inset about 1/16". It does not want to bend! I have been putting as much force on it as I can. I had a setup on an old door with cabinet clamps pulling in one direction and other cabinet clamps pulling in the other direction. I put a lot of force on it but it still just seems to spring back to the starting position. This is frustrating!

  Dec 29, 2022     Canopy - (6 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Started on the canopy. Fit the WD-643 Canopy Brace and put bolts in the 3 holes - 1 one on the top connecting it to the Roll Bar, the other 2 on the bottom. Cut the canopy roller tracks to. size and put in place, but not secured. Worked on the aft canopy track. Got a RV8 canopy rail to replace the one from the kit in order to support the extended travel due to the Supertracks option. Placed the longer version of the C-762 on the spacer, C-763. Drilled holes to rivet the two pieces together.

  Dec 28, 2022     Roll Bar - (6 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Shaped the C-668 spacers and then installed the WD-641 Roll Bar. Difficult to impossible to install the rear AN4-6A bolt and washer/spacer/nut. Had to enlarge the hole in the lower F-721B flange to the size of a socket. Then was able to install it. After verifying 90� spacer on each side), all nuts were torqued to specified values. Have to fit the WD-643 Canopy Brace. Might trim the overhanging portion of the roll bar (per detail A on page 42).

  Nov 29, 2022     Baggage Floor - (3 hours) Category: Fuselage

Put a doubler on the two rear baggage floor panels. Then attached a drawer pull (from the aviation department at Home Depot) on each side for a place to attach baggage straps. All set up. Removed the drawer pulls for painting the panels.

  Nov 25, 2022     Aft fuselage - (7 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Mounted the F-635 elevator bell crank. Mounted the GSA 28 Pitch servo mount, mounted the GSA 28 pitch servo and connected it to the elevator bellcrank.

  Nov 19, 2022     Aft Bulkhead - (4 hours) Category: Fuselage

Installed F-6114 wear plates on the aft bulkhead. Installed nut plates on the aft bulkhead underneath the shoulder harness openings.

  Nov 17, 2022     Baggage Side Panels - (4 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Prepped and painted the baggage compartment side panels - F-750 and F-749.
Installed tie-down rings on the F-749 panels.

  Nov 17, 2022     Aft Bulkhead - (1 hour) Category: Fuselage

Assembled the aft bulkhead to fit the F-6114 wear blocks.

  Nov 16, 2022     Baggage Area - (4 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Fitted and installed tie-down bolts for luggage on the F-749 baggage area side panels. Then I removed them for painting. Scotchbrited, primed and painted the F-749 and F-750 baggage area side panels.

  Sep 03, 2022     Aft Fuselage Skin - (4 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Patched the hole. Had Kelly buck the rivets to put on F-6111(since I am right handed and this was awkward).
Finished that - Aft fuselage skin complete.

  Sep 02, 2022     F-6111 Reinforcement - (1 hour)       Category: Fuselage

Took the replacement F-6111 reinforcement and bent it to fit it into place. I began to rivet it in place and on the first rivet, the bucking bar fell off and I messed up the skin real bad. Time to be done for the night.

  Sep 01, 2022     Aft Fuselage Skin - (3 hours) Category: Fuselage

Had Kelly come out again and buck rivets. At this point we finished all of the rivets on that skin.

  Aug 25, 2022     Miscellaneous - (5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Ran a ribbed duct (conduit) under the floor, such that it is, behind the baggage area. This will be used to consolidate wires coming from the tail such as the magnetometer, elevator trim, etc.
Fabricated a doubler plate for the left sub panel. This will be used to mount the alternator regulators

  Aug 24, 2022     Aft Fuselage Skin - (7 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Repaired the 786 J-stiffener that had been bent and cracked. Put in a new section reinforced by doublers. Fit the forward aft skin in place. Managed to get the F-6111 reinforcement in place. As I started to bend the one on the right, it cracked - another order from Vans.
Riveted the forward aft skin in place on the left side. I got as far as I could and then had Kelly come out and start bucking rivets for me - she did good.
Got the left side almost completely riveted in place.

  Jul 16, 2022     Flap Assembly - (7 hours) Category: Fuselage

With the flap assembly in place, I verified the flap motor runs like it is supposed to - it does. Made sure the EZ Out storage container fits onto the flap channel like it is supposed to - it does. Not anxious to remove the EZ Out but will for applying leather to it.
Began working on the electric trim but ran out of energy.

  Jul 15, 2022     Flap Assembly - (6 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Had an on the job injury so I got some time off. I can't Jumpseat or even non-rev anywhere so I guess time to get more done on the plane. Worked on the flap assembly. Had to put the new actuator in place. Re-riveted the flap channels using 370 rivets instead of flush-head rivets. Connected it to the flap weldment.

  Jul 13, 2022     EZ Out Storage Container - (5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

A bunch of replacement parts that I had ordered from Vans finally came in. Another thing that came in was an EZ Out Storage container that goes between the seats. It is heavy gauge and mounted to the flap enclosure so that you can put all of your weight on it while getting in or out.

  Mar 11, 2022     Seatbacks - (2 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Primed (again) and painted the seatbacks gloss white. Painted the side supports red. Finished with the seatbacks. Whew! That only took 32 hours.

  Mar 10, 2022     Seatbacks - (1 hour) Category: Fuselage

Finished riveting the angles to the second seatback. It is also ready to paint.

  Mar 09, 2022     Seatbacks - (3 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Riveted the angles to the first seatback. It is complete and ready to paint.

  Mar 08, 2022     Seatbacks - (2 hours) Category: Fuselage

Primed the seat sides and angles prior to riveting. Primed second seat, angles and hinges

  Mar 07, 2022     Seatbacks - (2 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Primed the mating surfaces of the seat bottom, hinge and angle. Riveted these together. Flush riveted the seat support hinge to the seat. Rethinking priming everything. Going to get the gloss white paint and see how that goes on the seatback.

  Mar 06, 2022     Seatbacks - (3 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Primed right seatback support and piano hinge. Riveted the hinge to the support. Primed the upper part of the seatback and flush riveted the 637 angle support at the top of the seat in. place on the right seat.

  Mar 04, 2022     Seatback - (3 hours) Category: Fuselage

Drilled and clecoed the right seatback. Finished the initial construction of both seatbacks. Ready to take apart, deburr, prime, and rivet

  Feb 27, 2022     Seatback - (3 hours) Category: Fuselage

Finished the assembly of the left seatback. Did prepwork on the right seatback. Clecoed the lower piano hinge and the 637 angle.

  Feb 26, 2022     Seatbacks - (4 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Cut the hinge for the seatback/floor interface. Cut the 637 reinforcing angle for the base of the seatback. Put them together on the bottom of the seatback, drilled the hole and checked both to the seatback. 1st seat partially done. This project might take awhile.
Went back and cut/drilled/clecoed the top 637 reinforcing angle.

  Feb 25, 2022     Seatbacks - (7 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Spent awhile stashing away the connectors and other items from Steinair (made a fairly big initial order).
Attached the piano hinge to the seatback supports. Was able to get the supports done for one seat. Did the 40 thousandths relief using a hacksaw - for the next two, I think I will use file. That should work better.

  Feb 23, 2022     Seatbbacks - (3 hours) Category: Fuselage

Cut 4 lightening holes in each of the seat back supports. Slight bit of corrosion noted - will prime and paint.

  Feb 21, 2022     Seatbacks - (1 hour)       Category: Fuselage

Measured and cut the shapes on the F-638 seat back supports. Deburred.

  Feb 04, 2022     Cables - (4 hours) Category: Fuselage

Installed the rudder cables and then stored them in the middle fuselage.
Got the shoulder harness cables ready.
Set the static tubing ready. Drilled the holes in the 708 bulkhead to install the tubing.