|
|
|
|
Brad Wilkinson, Bearhawk #1062
|
Date: 6-27-2009
|
Number of Hours: 4.00
|
Manual Reference:
|
Brief Description: Instrument Panel Top Bow, 1
|
|
Fabricated the arched piece, or bow, to attach the top of the instrument panel to the top pieces of the boot cowl.
I wanted to make this piece out of a section of 0.032" 2024-T3 instead of using a hardware store angle or just short pieces of bent aluminum. I felt that it would have a more accurate shape and support the panel best. To do this I needed the sheet-metal brake and some aluminum first. So the past two or three months were spent waiting on parts & tools - oh, and also catching up on some things around the house (finished paint, wiring, wood floors and computers in my better half's home office, built a garden shed, got my boat running (carbs, of course), built a stand for the brake, cleaned out the shop, etc.)...
Now that those things are done, I proceeded to bend and shape the Panel Bow. I cut a 1-1/2" piece of 032 2024-T3, 48" long. Then I set up the brake, and bent it longways at 90 degrees. Then I used the Lancaster Porto-Metal Shrinker/Stretcher to shape the bow. This was my first time with this tool - and it worked very well. I was pleased with the results.
Once I had the fit just right, I drilled the piece for #8 nutplates.
|
|
Me at the shrink(er) - actually has the same benefits...
|
|
Me checking the fit of the bow
|
|
Drilled and ready
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2001-2024 Matronics. All Rights Reserved.
|
