Brief Description: Bulkhead & Firewall Final Assembly
After breakfast, I was excited to begin the final assemlbly of firewall and bulkheads. I started with the firewall. I went back over the manual and rebuilt the firewall, I then backriveted all of the stiffeners and other componets to the fire wall. I didn't rivet the recess, because I need to use pro-seal on that and I will not get it in the mail till Wednesday. The firewall is complete. I next went to the F-904 carry though bulkhead. I had to rivet the platenuts on the cover support ribs and web stiffeners. I then riveted and bolted the componets on the 2 halves. I made some spacers out of wood to sandwich between the halves and also used the aluminum tube spacers. I inserted the close tolerance bolts and everything seems to fit very well. I next began the final assembly on the F-705 Bulkhead. This bulkhead has the seat back adjustments and the attachment points for the rear wing spars. There are alot of holes that are not riveted at this time, so I covered those with tape to remind me. Everything came together very well. I have to say, that I am so glad I bought the adjustable set for my pneumatic rivet squeezer. It is so much faster to just adjust the tool with a small wrench, than using washers as spacers. I also am glad I got the tungsten bucking bar...Love It!!
This is the bottom of the firewall showing one of the weldments all riveted in
All of the flush sides of the firewall rivets are on the engine side. This keeps the firewall smooth.
