Reinstalled firewall for another fit and to match drill bolt holes. Turns out I should have marked the cutout from the inside instead of measuring and marking according to the plans Nick sent. Nothing wrong with the plans. Seem that the co-pilot flute tube support was installed 1/2 inch inboard of where Nick installed his. This means that the support is 1/2 inside the cutout area. No big deal. I'll just make the flange on that side 1/2 in wider to cover the flute tube.
While drilling the holes for the flute tube support bolts and rudder cable pulley tang bolts, I got ahead of myself and should have payed more attention to the manual. The firewall is supposed to be secured to the flange with stainless steel rivets. I drilled for AN-3 bolts. The bolts will work just fine, but weigh more than the ss rivets. Bolts also allow for firewall removal if necessary in the future.
I've not decided yet if I will attach the recessed area with bolts or rivets. Bolts would provide maintenance access to remove the mags, but that's what the recess is for. Could I use bolts and not a recess? That would allow for a removable panel instead of a recess. A panel may allow for the pedals to move forward more providing additional leg room; a positive for long trips. I'll bounce this off of Nick and get his thoughts before proceeding either way.
Co-pilot flute tube support 1/2 inboard of recess.
