Brief Description: install steps w anti crush sleves
I turned a couple of crush inserts for the gear mounting bolts. You can buy a set, but I have the equipment to make them fairly quickly. I had a chunk of scrap aluminum on the shelf I cut it into a 1 1/2" square, then chucked it into the lathe.
I turned the diameter down on the lathe to a snug fit into the gear tube (1.428" dia). I center drilled and tapped for a 3/8" threaded rod to allow precise placement. It took about an hour mostly because I started with square stock and needed to cut it down.
I plan on adding an access panel to the bagage floors over the gear bolt in case the step ever works loose. One for each side. The panel will also give access under the floor if I ever need to rework any wiring in the area. I need to decide if I will also use the same access panel for the com antena mounts. I purchased two Comant bent whip type antenas. I am leaning towards a more forward location, not sure yet.
Next step is a decision to either assemble the forward upper fuselage or do the tailcone join. Both are cool milestones.
