Brief Description: More sanding & filling, parts prep.
The seats arrived today and they look great!
Started the day by sanding down the epoxy and filler laid down on Monday. Then pulled off the first layer of tape. I learned that I had not really gotten down close enough to the tape on the previous go-around, so Had to revert to 80 grit paper, then 120, then 150. This time I think I did it right. Mixed a 1/2 pump batch of epoxy and brushed a light coat up next to the tape, overlapping the tape only slightly.
Then mixed microballoons into remaining epoxy and used it to fill a few more low spots. Ended by smearing filler on the low sides where the fiberglass transitions into the metal, covering the flush rivet heads. Thought about this for quite a while. Don't know if this was a good idea or not, but I can always sand it off if I don't like it. Made the rough openings for the pivot bolts, enough to get a socket on the bolt. I will sand it smooth after the canopy comes off.
Smoothed the edges of a piece of scrap .020 aluminum and used it to work under the edges of the layup all the way around to loosen the canopy for removal. I'm a bit concerned that I didn't remove the gas struts, but I don't think the instructions ever said to. I hope the canopy can be raised enough to remove the strut bolts when the time comes.
Made a written plan for Saturday when Dave will be here to help. Put away all the tools and miscellaneous parts.
Got a head start on the gear section. Riveted the anti-rotation plates to the nose wheel fork. Staged the rest of the nosewheel parts. Discovered I don't have a 5/16 X 24 tap. I guess Bob Avery didn't see that one! An excuse to go to the hardware store.
