I finished up the template and then used it to make two doubler plates for the VHF antennas. I made a second doubler that is tear drop shape like the foot print of the antenna base. I want to install nut plates on to them. They will not get riveted in but set in place with some RTV adhesive. The idea is if a nut plate gets stripped out and needs to be replaced I don’t want to have to drill out the doubler. I could use lock nuts but then this would make antenna installation and removal a two person job. I know it will not happen often but a guy told me once to always think about maintenance and repairs, you want this to be as easy as possible and many times you are working by yourself.
I still need to match drill them to the floor, I want them as far forward as possible but I realize the flange I added for strength will get in the way of the installation of the wing attach bolts. I don’t want to move them inboard since the antennas are already inside of the recommended spacing and if I move them aft it will put them too close to where I want to install the transponder antenna. I think I can trim the flange a bit to make them fit and not interfere with the wing bolts.
Used removable adhesive to hold template, clamps are holding the two pieces together
The tear drop peces will be held with just RTV on the edges, it will stil lhave metal to metal contact
Shows how far aft the doubler needs to be in order to not interfere with the wing bolt going in
