I decided to install the newly offered access panels in the upper forward fuselage skin. These panels will allow for much easier maintenance in the future.
These panels are fully supported by van's and the kit was purchased from them. A HUGE deal as the hardware is included!
The doubler was located on the forward upper skin. The skin was then match drilled per the instructions, clecoed as drilled.
Remove doubler and install access panel with clecos.
Trace the access panel, remove access panel.
Debur and smooth all edges of doubler and panel using s/b wheel.
Remove portion of the skin within the lines traced using a p-nibbler.
Grind, file, and smooth edges of access panel hole. Several iterations were required to get a satisfactory fit with a uniform edge gap.
