Brief Description: First side of Floor Access Panel Complete
The riveting of the backplate to the floor panel went very well. The rivet heads are completely flush, and even though this will be ultimately covered by carpet, I love the look of the fit and finish. I then chased all of the nut plates with a tap as I have done on each of the others on the helicopter. This time however, at the suggestion (and demand) of my buddy Tom in PA, instead of hand tapping, I used a slow drill and knocked them all out in the fraction of the time it typically takes me. I frigin’ love that guy!!
The final fit of the cover panel onto the floor panel was great, and I’m ready to move onto the starboard side of the floor. The last photo is an example of how I cut out the first side. I use a hole saw to gain access to the line I’m going to cut, then I have the access to use pneumatic sheetmetal shears to cut the thick material. It takes a couple of passes and a lot of finish filing and cutting, but it is a fairly controllable process. I don’t want to say that too loud or I will guarantee a screw up with my next cut. I would hate to damage the floor at this point of the process. Wish me luck.
