Yesterday when I bolted the right landing gear mount, I noticed the threads on six of the bolts did not emerge from the tip of the nut. You should see 1 or 2 threads above the nut after torque-ing. I went to the VAF forums last night and asked for advice. Seems this is something that alot of 9A builder's run into and Van's in aware of it....so much so that they include enough of the next size bolts in the kit to use. I just wish they would change the call-out size on the plans. Anyhow, I had to replace the six bolt I already installed (12A's) with the next longer size (13A's).....no big deal. I then installed the left mount (using the corrected size bolts). I was glad to get this part of the build over. The mount fit perfectly and I am very happy with the results. Next I decided to fit the rest of the interior seats and panels on with ALL of the screws to make sure everything fits properly and all holes match up. I also fit the forward covers on and installed all of the nutplates. Now everything is screwed on tight.....I will have to remove a lot of these to begin plumbing and electrical.
I just love the way this interior is taking shape. It looks so clean and well done....I'm quite proud of my self! Next on the agenda are some misc. items: The static ports and lines, crotch strap mounts, rudder cable fairings. The next part of manual calls for test fitting the wings!! I will have to re-arrange the shop and move the benches, and set up saw horses and benches for wing support. This will take awhile to prep.....I'm not sure if I have the room in the shop to fit both wings on the plane and close the garage door....we will soon find out.
