Plans: 1. Paint the louver assemblies Status: 50% complete. I have been simply sanding the aluminum prior to paint recently. In the case of the louvers I decided to chemically etch them instead. This is because the louvers could not be sanded easily with all the odd angles. The prep process is complete. I am letting them dry overnight. 2. Paint the engine compartment cover. Status: 25% complete. I have applied three coats of primer on one section of the cover. I painted the aluminum ribbons black where the cover seam presents. 3. Add a spring loaded cover to create a "grip" area behind the cockpit. This will provided a dedicated gripping spot to enter the cockpit just behind the pilot's seat. Status: Started. The core pieces have been cut from some .020 scrap. I squared up a half inch tube with a torch and hammer to be used as the hinge pivot.
