Wendell Folks RV-8 Project - Page 44.

February 28, 2007:  The month comes to an end with a symbolic milestone for Wendell.  With the last of the wires installed in the instrument panel area, it is time to check the fit of the forward top skin on the fuselage.  It was during this time we discovered a piece that needs some trimming to provide a good fit of the upper cowl later on.  And yes, there are rivets in the small ribs that attach to the roll bar.

The top cowl will be secured with fasteners instead of Van's hinges.  I talked to Wendell about the need for clear RTV silicone to be layered under the skin and shims when the firewall is riveted to the forward top skin.

Inside the fuselage, it is time to address the air vent installation for the passenger and the pilot.

We have been discussing where he wants to mount the fresh air vent up front under the instrument panel.  We have also removed all the items from the sub-panel to provide full access for riveting the forward top skin to the sub-panel.  The decision was made to back-rivet the skin in place when it is time to make the final assembly.

March 1, 2007:  The session tonight was all about instructions for work to follow and review what Wendell has completed today while I was doing my day job.  The photo below shows the first firewall insulation being installed.  The ansel clamp holding the heat door cable got a longer bolt and a spacer made from 6061-T6 aluminum tube.  A small brake fluid leak on the high pressure brake lines was found and secured as they go into the parking brake valve.

The fresh air vent scat tube is temporarily installed in preparation for the installation of the "eyeball vent" which will be mounted to gear leg tower under the instrument panel.  Wendell had fabricated a suitable angle mount and has drilled the first holes in the white molded plastic that terminates the other end of the red scat tube seen below.  We also discussed how to dress and secure the brake fluid supply lines and the wiring to prevent long-term chafing in this area.

With all the cables and wires that pass through the main wing spar bulkheads, there remains ONE more coaxial cable to be routed from the VOR antenna to the instrument panel.  That will occur after the vertical stabilizer is mounted to the fuselage for the "LAST TIME" before the final inspection by the designated air-worthiness representative for the FAA (DAR).