Today proved to be one of those days. I was ready to start at noon but realized I needed some bushings; I had one sample I bought ages ago. I went to the nearest hardware store; they did not have the same type but something close. I wanted a 3/8 OD ¼ ID bushing and that is how they were marked. So now it is 3 PM and I am ready to start again but the bushings did not fit into the engine mount holes, so back to the store. Finally at nearly 5 PM I get to work.
My plan was to put the bushing into the engine mount holes and bolt the mount in place with ¼ inch bolts, then one by one drill the holes up to 3/8 and install the bolts as I went. Well it worked out but there was a little tension on the mount with it bolted in so as I took out each ¼ bolt the engine mount would get out of alignment with the ¼ hole. I just match drilled each hole anyways which took a lot of time, steel is real hard and you have to go slow and use lots of oil. My method was an attempt to keep the mount as close to the planned position as possible. I could have centered on one hole and let the rest fall in place but I liked my idea. As it turns out I am within 1/8 inch of perfect, the plans say you just need to be within 3/8 so I am happy with that result. Drilling the two bottom holes near the nose gear attach point were easy, there was no guide hole. I used a bushing to first drill a ¼ hole centered on the mount hole then drill up in increments to 3/8. After drilling I removed the mount and deburred and cleaned all of the holes and then re-installed the mount.
Ready for a motor
Metal sleeve used for initial fit
Bottom center 2 bolts done, no interference with exhaust ramp!
