Lindy
8/25/2008
Tonight began as one of those nights where I look at the project, and think "what in the world do I do next?" I looked over it for a good 15 minutes before I decided to start making some progress with the panel. I need to get the landing gear put back on before hanging the engine, but I forgot the torque wrench at work to tighten the engine mount bolts, and that needs to be done first.
So, to the panel...the top angle needed to be riveted in place. Van's suggests waiting until after the canopy is fit to make sure there is no interference, for riveting this on. Since I'm done with that, it's time to go on!
Then I put the panel back in the airplane with a few cleco's, and did a test fit of the Enigma EFIS. Of all the things I've done so far, this had to be one of the most satisfying moments. Not because it's an EFIS (big deal these days...), but because the fit was SO FREAKIN' PERFECT! I mean, THIS is what the time spent in AutoCAD is about!! The water jet cutter has already been worth it, but this is freakin' UNBELIEVABLE!! Check out the fit!!
It slid right in like...like...like it was cut with a water jet cutter using AutoCAD to design it! The cutout is spot on, and the screw holes are perfect too! SWEET!!
Oh, here's the front view...that's pretty cool too!
Okay, with that over with, and put away, I decided to start building the bracket for the Air Gizmo's panel dock for my 295. Sorry, pic is a bit blurry...
The panel dock fit perfectly too! I'm am ELATED with the panel so far! Anyway, I did have to make a couple of rounded notches for the release clips in the dock, but that was easy work with the Dremel tool.
Here she is in final fit form-
After that, I removed the 295, and marked the holes in the angle to drill for the screws. Time to head in for some dinner...
2.0 hours