Started checking off items in the manual while verifying the that the Quick Build fuselage had been correctly put together. Didn't take long before we came to items that we had to complete. The engine stainless steel recess panel had to be fitted and match drilled to the firewall. Some of the firewall holes were already drilled to size and dimpled and some weren't. Attention to detail means that we have to check everything so as not to mess up. Having a QB is great but does not reduce the need to totally understand the manual and drawings. We drilled and dimpled the recess panel and dimpled some holes in the firewall. We riveted the side walls of the recess panel with the hand squeezer. We clecoed the panel after drilling the holes to final size to check for fit. Looked good but we'll wait until the rudder pedal bars are installed before we rivet it into place.
The brake tubing bracket was match drilled with the firewall then deburred, dimpled, scuffed, primed and then riveted in place. We let the air rivet gun slip and put some ugly dents in the firewall. I also had to drill out a couple of rivets and redo them. It had been awhile since we had done some riveting and should have practiced on some scrap and reviewed out Ready, Set, Go terminology. No real harm done, thankgoodness.
Drilling engine recess panel.
Clecoing recess panel to firewall.
The brake tubing bracket riveted to inside firewall.
