Plans. 1. Cutout and install cowl grille. Status: Started. From photos an original D7 cowl appears to consist of the radiator and some fairing. The radiator and grille are one and the same. In my case the cowl is a fiberglass bowl from Airdrome Aeroplanes. The front is cutout and replaced with a metal screen. The cutout allows air to flow into the engine compartment. For my water cooled engine the radiator will be directly behind the grille with a plenum. The exit for the air to pass will be the underside of the engine compartment and sides. Given that others have pretty consistently described cooling issues with their D7 build, I decided to go with a Aeromemtom water cooled engine versus air cooled at this time. The grill is constructed from a dog screen protector. I obtained it from Lowes. It comes painted white or black and seems to have suitable structural stability while allowing air to pass freely. Nor does it weigh much. Prior to this I had sampled some expanded aluminum screening I got from McMaster Carr. It was more rigid but blocked the free flow of air more than I felt comfortable. At the moment I am waiting on some neoprene trim to finish the cutout edge. This screen will be glued in from behind after the trim is available.
