Brief Description: Initial fitting of forward bottom skins
Worked at the NMUSAF today so I spent just a little time in the workshop. I pulled the forward fuselage bottom skins from storage and began preparing them for installation. The initial drilling and dimpling of the two most forward skins was completed. All three skins were then clecoed in place. These skins must be inserted between the lower longerons and the forward side skins.
The skins went into place fairly easily after the corner of both side skins was carefully separated from the firewall. A bead of tank sealant was placed between the side skins and the firewall when they were installed earlier to stop any oil leakage from the engine compartment. I was able to separate the surfaces with a thin bladed utility knife.
I will complete the preparation of these skins for final installation during the next shop session. They will then be set aside until after the landing gear legs and mounting hardware is positioned and match drilled.
