N114KB Project Updates

Firewall forward component fitting

Manifold pressure system complete.

Pilot stick grip fitting commencing…

Powdercoat removed for Infinity grip spacer.

Wire bundle (17 wires!!) trimmed and ready to install.

No in-process pics (sorry) of the grip being fit, but there are simply too many loose wires and buttons demanding attention to permit any photography. So, here it is (ta-da!) ready to install in the plane.

I’ll check each switch for continuity on the bench before installing it, of course, because I sure don’t want to pull it once it’s installed. I’m holding off (probably until late next week), as I want to leave one stick out to preserve under-panel “access” (LOL!!) for as long as possible.

Fuselage component installation progress

Two hours spent connecting most of the wiring for the passenger-side stick. A mix of D-subs, heat shrink, and butt splices were used.

Elevator trim, flaps, and PTT functions have all tested OK. I still need to connect the start and TO/GA buttons. The former will wait until the pilot-side stick has been installed and reached the same point in the wiring process, while the latter is awaiting delivery of a couple diodes from Stein.

As expected, getting under the panel with the stick installed is even less fun than beforehand. Oh, well – that ground wire wasn’t going to run itself!

Firewall forward, canopy continued…

When I removed the plug from Van’s supplied brake reservoir, it was galled and stripped. It had been threaded in way too tight and without lubricant. Never a good thing.

I ordered a stainless replacement, applied a little Fuel Lube (actually EZ Turn, these days), and it went right in.

Since the brakes have already been bled, I REALLY didn’t want to remove the reservoir or tap it in place. Happily, neither was necessary.

Canopy guide pins receiving a little paint.

Pilot-side canopy guide pin riveted in place.

Modeling clay (way too much, as it turned out) applied per the instructions.

Also too much modeling clay…

One of the canopy guide plates riveted in place.

And the other one…