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Christopher's Web Site
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Date: 9-14-2015
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Number of Hours: 7.00
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Manual Reference:
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Brief Description: More Exterior Panel Work
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I am taking a good amount of time refinishing panels as I reassemble. As I mentioned earlier, there are significant refinements needed on each piece in addition to general deburring and final penetrations. The result is a very clean look, although additional touch-up’s will be required when I disassemble the next time before riveting.
What you can’t really seen in the photo is all the work that was put into the forward floor rib. As I discussed in earlier posts, the forward rib was originally built too short in width and as a result would not properly support the cabin floor. I confirmed this issue with Tom in PA. His rib was constructed so it was level with the three frame tabs and was correctly fitted to the location. Rather than start from scratch and remake the rib, I decided to add two 1/4” pieces of aluminum stock to the top of the rib in order to give the floor secure attachment points. I decided on this modification method since it would actually assist in providing additional clearance between the pilot’s tail rotor (anti- torque) pedals. The floor is notched for the pedal travel, but it would still hit the rib. By selectively using the rib spacer, I was able to allow for more range of motion before the rib structure stopped movement. Not sure if I will need the extra travel, but I’m going to make this a positive result of a poorly supplied component. I will always try to snatch function from the jaws of imperfection, if possible.
The spacers are riveted down to the rib, and I drilled through the locations where the floor screws will attach to the nut plates I installed at the bottom of the rib flange. I thought I may have been crazy ordering all of the various sixes of 426 and 470 rivets, but having them at hand has made it really easy to make the creative repairs I want using the appropriate attachment fasteners. It came out looking very clean and only in need of longer than normal floor screws.
I will spend a good deal of time cleaning up the aft inside floor rib, but at least
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