> I am getting close to installing my cockpit module and I was
wondering if there are recommended things to do beyond what the manual
describes prior to installation.
>
> Thanks,
> Dave Simenauer
On the trigear, later access to the tunnel to route and secure things,
like wires, battery cables and fuel lines, will be limited! Even with
a bottom access panel -- mine is 10" x 8", and metal clad on the
inside for transponder antenna ground plane. Before installing the
module, I placed a bunch of stud mounting pads on the fuse bottom.
They're just small chunks of 1/4" wood, chamfered on the edges, to
secure an AN-3 bolt sitting on its head. Bonded and further secured
with 2 layers glass.
An (unaerodynamic) alternative is just later drill holes in the fuse
bottom, for a bolt to secure cable clamps. But they'll be problematic
in affixing the hardware. With the bonded stud arrangement, a cable
clamp and nut can be installed one-handed, reaching into the tunnel.
I didn't plan too well where and how many of these studs should be
located, but luckily close enough to be ahead of the game.
Fabricating said access panel is easier before module install. Since
the glass in this area was not foam sandwich, I first made it into
foam sandwich. Don't like adding weight, but this enables countersink
screws to be used to secure the access panel if you fiddle with adding
flox around the screw holes to be able to cut countersinks.
If you have a 914, consider planning it so that the fuel pumps and
filters are located within easy access through this access panel. The
circuitous factory arrangement stumped me as to its rationale.
Reg,
Fred F.
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