The first attempt at installing the Baggage Door was a partial success, or rather a partial failure which every way you are inclined to look at life. The James Cowling was used and the Forward Top Skin combined with the Forward Baggage Door Support Strip left the Cowling proud. RV-8 examples can be seen where filler is used to raise the level, it don’t look wonderful. Yes…all was disassembled and cleaned of Tank Sealant, a 0.02” shim was added and the levels looked good. But, now the rivets needed to pass through five pieces including the Skybolt plates; so Cherrymax rivets were used. The McMaster-Carr Strutt works well. Described as #11615A14 ‘Open-Up Lid Support, with Spring Assist, for Side and Top Lid’ or Strut in English. Installed as in the picture it holds the door up and baggage door forward rib; it was strengthened behind with a 0.03” plate
