The view from below
Posted in Cowling & BafflesMore work at the front of the plane today — installed the prop spacer bolts with Loctite blue 242 and torqued to 45 ft/lb according to the installation instructions: three steps (15, 30, 45) plus two final passes at 45. Temporarily bolted the spinner and prop on, as well. Fit both cowlings, and cut a piece of cardboard to slip between the spinner and cowlings when installing and removing, to prevent scratching up the cowling nose. She looks pretty good.
More shop visitors today, co-workers of Allison came to check out the 110 poultry that are being brooded in the garage temporarily, and they looked over the plane while there as well.
Time to deal with the last loose end on the cowling (aside from installing the oil door hinge pin, for which I’m still awaiting the replacement spring): fabrication and install of the lower outlet support bracket. This is a contraption made up of several metal strips and a few angled pieces; it bolts to the nosegear leg socket, and to the firewall flange, and provides a channel which captures the lower cowling. The bottommost piece is held on by screws, so it can be removed to allow the cowling to be removed. Anyway — worked on getting the angles right, clamping things up, drilling for the various rivets and nutplates. Finally, deburred everything, scuffed, cleaned, and sprayed with rattlecan primer. Will rivet & install next session.
