Fuselage

June 8, 2005

Begin work on center section spar carry through. The center section carry through comes with the wing kit since it is matched to the wing spars.

June 10-11, 2005

Preparation work on the center section bulkheads involves enlarging some holes to accept snap bushings for rudder cables, wiring, etc., match drilling components, countersinking and installing platenuts to the top flange of the bulkheads. I did some cleaning, etching, alodining  and priming of the countersunk holes on the bulkheads to prevent corrosion.

June 12, 2005

Did the prep work for priming the firewall parts and center section parts. Degrease with Dawn soap and water, acid etch, and alodine. Pictures from left to right: After acid etching, in the alodine tank, after alodine step.

June 13, 2005

Primed the firewall and center section parts.

June 14, 2005

Began riveting firewall components (stiffeners, gussets, brackets) to firewall. Shot bags and clamps help to hold in place while riveting components together.

June 15, 2005

Completed riveting the firewall components. I supported the firewall on the floor with clamps, shot bags and the tank stands. Made it much easier to reach some of the rivets.

June 16, 2005

Here's an aft shot of the firewall. Started riveting the center section bulkhead components. Again, clamping to the bench holds everything in position to rivet.

June 17, 25-26, 2005

Completed riveting center section components. At left is the forward center bulkhead showing the cover support ribs. At right is the aft center bulkhead with the control column components installed.