That persnickety Camloc receptacle has been changed out for a floating type and that seems to have solved the problem.
Right side screw holes drilled.
Left side screw holes drilled.
On to the baffles! This is the entire collection of components in the sub-kit.
The first bits underway.
Baffles and doublers riveted and ready for the next step.
Some of the rivets joining these two pieces can’t be squeezed and must be driven. I had to get creative in order to do that on my own, but it worked out fine.
Top cowl right side Camloc grommets and studs installed.
Camloc receptacle riveting in progress.
Camloc receptacle riveted completed.
Well, all but one came out nicely. For whatever reason, the marked (and unsecured) Camloc just wouldn’t engage with its receptacle. Either it’s defective or the its hole was slightly off target, which is much more likely. I’m going to acquire one of Skybolt’s floating receptacles and replace the standard one in that location. Hopefully, that’ll solve the problem.
I’m not thrilled with the gap between the top and bottom cowlings (on either side), though I’m optimistic that paint will fill some of that gap along the split and that a little fiberglass work will reduce the gap at the front.
Oh, well; onward!
Left side marked for drilling.
Top cowl left side Camloc grommets and studs installed.
The left side came out better, though there’s still a slight gap present, both at the front and along the length of the side.
As with the other side, paint and glass work will cover all sins.
I still need to do the nutplates behind the spinner, the interior epoxy coating, and the top cowl air ramps. The cowling is rock solid as-is, though, and completely airworthy. Overall, I’m satisfied with the effort and glad to be free of hinge hell.
Bottom cowl held in position by one Camloc on each side. My alignment marks (for vertical orientation) can be readily seen on each side. These were made prior to removing the upper cowling.
Bottom cowl held in position by one Camloc on each side. My alignment marks (for vertical orientation) can be readily seen on each side. These were made prior to removing the upper cowling.
Upper cowling replaced to double-check alignment of the sides.
Upper cowling replaced to double-check alignment of the sides.
Bottom cowl Camloc receptacles riveted in place around the firewall.
Bottom cowl Camloc receptacles riveted in place around the firewall.
Bottom cowl Camloc grommets, retainers, and studs in place.
Bottom cowl Camloc grommets, retainers, and studs in place.
Bottom cowl in place and Camlocs adjusted for depth. Alignment marks still aligned, so that was good.
Bottom cowl in place and Camlocs adjusted for depth. Alignment marks still aligned, so that was good.
Complete cowling in place with all firewall Camlocs locked down. I’m fairly pleased thus far.
Complete cowling in place with all firewall Camlocs locked down. I’m fairly pleased thus far.
I couldn’t resist setting the spinner in place for a quick photo or two. Looks good!
I couldn’t resist setting the spinner in place for a quick photo or two. Looks good!
