Marked and cut paper template (from last year’s National Park Calendar, the paper quality and thickness make ideal templates) for the lower cowl heat shield. The heat shield should protect the fiberglass cowl from heat created by the exhaust pipes in proximity.
Prior to this, I applied several (3 – 4) coats of 50/50 epoxy and acetone mixture with white tint to the interior of both the lower and upper cowl. For the upper cowl, I wanted a smooth as possible surface for the engine baffle seal to seat and prevent air leakage. For the lower cowl, I wanted a bright clean surface to show all fluids, and well, it looks cool.
Used the paper templates to cut corresponding heat shield material, which is basically aluminum tape about 30” wide. After cutting from the templates, applied the aluminum heat shield to the lower cowl. I removed as many wrinkles as possible, but I’m not too worried about the remaining.
