I am currently working on the fuselage top, adding the strengthener to the
cockpit frames (roll bars) and adding the panel between the door apretures
and would appreciate any advice on problems encountered or things which one
would do differently.
I plan to insert a 1/2" thinwall plastic conduit from the front, just aft of
the windscreen, through to the baggage bulkhead. This to facilitate the
routing of the fuel gage vent as well as the wiring to the headsets. The
roll bars will encapsulate the conduit which may reduce their strength
somewhat. The forward end of the conduit will be angled to port to ease
making the turn with the vent tubing.
Rather than use 1/8" ply, I intend to fill the area between the door
apertures with foam, a combination of rigid foam plus spray can foam to fill
this space completely. This will be sanded flush and then 2 layers of bid
applied, joining the flanges and the roll bars. This should restore most of
the strength lost due to the conduit passing through the roll bars.
A recess will be inserted between the rear hinges and the rear roll bar
using the technique used for the aileron bellcrank inspection ports. An alloy
plate will be used to hold the headset jacks. A small block of plywood will
be buried just aft of the front roll bar to allow mounting a compass, etc.
Is this a reasonable approach? How should the headset lines be routed; from
the front or round about and in from the back? Will the conduit along the
roof through the baggage area look tacky?
Alternative ideas would be appreciated.
Regards, John A044 Newtown, CT
|