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My RV-8 Build Log
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Date: 2-28-2016
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Number of Hours: 4.00
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Manual Reference:
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Brief Description: Fitting the Cowl Top and Bottom
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Following guidance from Van's and Skybolt, and a few folks on Vansairforce.net, Worked on the leading edges of the top and bottom cowl at the air inlets, attempted to smooth the edges using 60 grit paper and sanding block, until the top and bottom met well enough to mark a reference line on the left and right sides.
Used a right angle and electronic level to determine a reference point on the side of the bottom cowl. After marking this point, used the electronic level to mark additional reference points, until finally at the end of the cowl.
Used a long strip of aluminum which I sheared to obtain a straight edge, placed the aluminum strip in line with the reference marks on the cowl, and re-checked for level. I should mention here, I raised the tail of the plane so the side canopy rails are level.
A bit of an extra challenge is presented at the front edge due to the cowl curvature, because the cowl radius goes inward, laying the aluminum strip flat against the cowl does not produce the desired effect. Since I already used the right angle at this point to establish the forward reference mark, I use tape to create the reference line from the reference mark to the front of the cowl.
Repeated the same process on the other side of the cowl.
Measured the distance between the edge of the top skin and the reference line on both cowl sides, and both are 4 and 5/8", which is comforting to know.
I think the next step will be to decouple the cowl halves and then trim along the reference mark on the bottom cowl, then position and re-couple to mark a reference line for the top cowl.
The top and bottom will require sanding at the joint because both cowl halves overlap the fuse at the firewall flange. Once I know pretty much where the two halves meeting, I will know where to avoid placing the cam lock - don't need one at the joint line, or butting up against the engine mount
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Left Side Reference Line
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Reference Line to Top Skin Edge is 4 & 5/8" Left Side (and Right Side)
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Right Side Reference Line
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