Brief Description: Start to repair forward fuselage
As I tried to install the engine mount on the airplane, it was pointed out that the forward fuselage was not square with the aft fuslage. Measurement revealed that because of a twist in the forward fuselage, the firewall was rotated 1.7 degrees, which doesn't sound like much but causes the centerline of the engine mount to be about 1.5 inches off. John Monnett asked me if I'd riveted the spar channel yet. I said 'no' so he recommended that I remove the firewall which would leave enough flex to correct the problem. However, looking at the structure of the forward part of the spar channel, numerous dimples and countersinks maintain the rigidity of the fuslelage so I may have to rebuild the spar channel (or some of the pieces). The lesson.... keep the square and plumb bobs handy.
