The nose gear was the project for today before installing the engine. First, the gear needed to be painted by masking off the three metal fit areas. Then I primed and painted them my blue color.
Next chain fall rigging was intalled to lift the aircaft. A hole was drilled in the firewall for the plug to allow access to the nose gear bolt. I marked the spot on the firewall, removed the engine mount and used the step drill to make the 3/4" hole. The engine mount was reinstalled and the 3/4" hole was not big enough. You have to be able to get a 1/2" socket at an angle to the nose gear bolt. My hole was probably slightly off but even if it was perfect I do not think that it can access that bolt without putting force on the firewall. I ended up drilling a 1" hole. Socket goes right on the bolt head now. I will have to order a 1" plug. Anyone need a Van's 3/4" plug?
