Brief Description: Throttle quadrant; front seat support re-install
Two big improvements to the airplane today! First, I test-fit my new FatBoy throttle lever and grip. The grip is a Hogue firearm grip with a push-to-talk button mounted in the end. It's bolted to a stainless steel shaft that pretty much drops into my existing DJM throttle quadrant. I think it looks really great!
I also received my newly-powder-coated front seat support, rollover bar and canopy frame from the powder coat shop. I re-installed the front seat support today, replacing the standard cad-plated AN3 bolts with black hex cap socket screws and black washers -- all in keeping with the military look I'm going for in my cockpit. (Honestly, I don't remember seeing any hex-cap socket screws in any of the military fighters I flew, but hey...)
Re-installing the support bar also now allows me to get back inside the fuselage. (I've restricted myself from climbing in without this crossbar in place, because I didn't want to risk buckling the skins.)
[UPDATE: Never use black oxide screws in your airplane. They look great at first, but after a couple of years, they begin to rust! Just a word to the wise. Instead, just paint your screw-heads black.]
This may be the most badass thing I have installed in my airplane yet.
Front seat support bar is re-installed. Now I can get back in the fuselage!
Hex cap screws and washers replace the standard AN3 bolts.
