Brief Description: Riveted angles to frame and cut hole in the subpan
After riveting the angles to the frame columns, I decided to cut the rear subpanel to allow the SL30 nav/com the longitudinal distance needed to mount the radio stack. I used my cheap saber saw because the new Ridgid saw was too big for the workspace. I could have removed the panel frame but that would have required a lot of time, so my little Craftsman saw got the job. I measured across the decks from the side skin to skin and then divided that in half to find the center of the subpanel. I then measured left and right from the center line 3 1/8" to get the 6 1/4" for the trays. I took a length of the 3/4" angle and put it to the bottom of the center rib and marked the top line.
I then drilled two 3/8" holes in the top corners of the rectangle to get a nice radius and to insert the saw blade. I cut from the bottom to the holes. It sounded as if I were inside a barrel while the saw was running. The noise was deafening. The top center rib kept me from using the saber saw all the way horizontally, therefore, I used a hacksaw blade to finish the cut by hand. After deburring with a file I held a tray in the position the SL30 will sit and it fit perfectly. Enough for today. The next time I'll rivet angles across the bottom, top, and sides of the cutout to allow for connection of the trays and for rigidity.
We will be gone to Virginia for a week to attend a retirement ceremony for Charlotte's son. He's a US Navy Captain with 30 years of service.
Using saber saw to cut the subpanel hole.
I had to hand saw with a hack saw blade due to the middle rib.
Rectangular hole finished and holding radio tray in position.
