N114KB Project Updates

Finish, components underway

Elastomer pad installed and safetied.

Nose gear elastomers installed to nose gear link. All hardware for gear mounting located and bushings fit to weldments as necessary.

Interior miscellany deburred and dimpled as necessary. Nutplates and doubler riveted.

Interior miscellany deburred and dimpled as necessary. Nutplates and doubler riveted.

Some of the interior miscellany being painted. More to follow tomorrow.

I did all these parts as get-aheads, since I need to dispose of the crate prior to landing gear installation on Tuesday. Space in my garage is at an ever-increasing premium.

Finish continued…

The engine mount is on and torqued!  

It went right on, all holes lined up, and the various bolt pads all sit perfectly flush with the firewall. Looks as though Van’s solved their early -14 welding issues, thankfully.

The engine mount is on and torqued!

Final subpanel sealing completed. Light check performed on all seals and touchups done where necessary (only three spots).

Final subpanel sealing completed.

Finish progress

Canopy removed and forward top skin riveting underway.

Forward top skin riveting complete (I think that’s the last structural riveting on the project!) and subpanel flange masked for sealant application.

Not a lot of fun (OK, actually zero fun, at most) applying the sealant from beneath, but it had to be done and now it is!

Engine mount awaiting its installation tomorrow.