Lindy
9/25/2007
Tonight my dad came over to help me set the four rivets remaining to finish installing the autopilot pitch servo bracket.
After he took off, I removed the fuel vent line fittings from the bottom of the forward fuselage so I could file down the threads. I did this with a couple of fine files, and the drill press. Worked great! I used some paper towel to protect the threads while in the chuck.
Then I mixed up some good 'ol sealant (man that brought back some memories!) so I could install the screens on the fuel vent line, and install the static ports.
First I did the fuel vent screens. I stopped by Menards today to get a couple of aerators for faucets. I bought the finest mesh I could find, and cut it with a pair of scissors to the proper shape. Then I simply "glued" the screens to the fitting.
The SafeAir1 static ports were next. I beveled one side of the port to allow it to sit flush against the skin. I wanted to use Van's suggested port location, so I had to modify these a bit to work because the port flange is wide enough to run in to the bulkhead flange. I didn't want to use a bunch of ugly rivets to install these, so I figured sealant would be the best way to go. I've heard the good and bad about these ports, so I guess time will tell if they are worth it or not.
I clamped both of them in place to cure overnight.
The only other thing I did tonight was paint the rudder center brace and the 705 center brace. No pic of that though.
1.5 hours