I had planned to install the horizontal pins today, the P-4 hinges came in from Van’s yesterday but I never got that far. I had also ordered some .120 stainless hinge pin. The plans call for .090 sized pin for the upper cowl along the firewall but I did not like the slop this would allow between the hinge halves. I took and idea from another builder to use full size pin but taper the end. The curved part of the hinge make the full size pin difficult to install that is why the plans call for the smaller hinge. The taper helps with this last bit.
I set up latch with my angel drill and a tall cardboard box. Using a burr grinder I made the rough taper then used the belt sander and different grits of sanding cloth to finish it up. The pin is tapered over the final 8 inches and tapers down to .090. I did sand a duck bill shape at the very end of the pin and this seems to help the pin make it through each eye. The fit is very nice and with just a little effort I can get them installed.
I made loops in the ends to give me something to grab onto when installing and removing. I made the loops so I could safety the pin handles together. I did not see anything in the plans with regard to securing these pins but this will only let the pins move a little, at most an eye or two will come loose. I will see how much movement the pins make when I start to fly and readdress how to secure them if this becomes a problem.
