Forward lower fuselage complete

The forward lower fuselage was completed today with the help of N and B.  We started by attaching the pedal support channels and nutplates to the firewall shelf.  With extra hands we went back to section 21 to install the system block studs. We had tried to install before, but ended up breaking a stud. I ordered a new wrench and they installed without any problem.

 We then had our first time using fuel tank sealant to install the firewall shelf.  I mixed a little by hand and placed in a syringe. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  The shelf was installed without problem.

The bracket that attaches on the tunnel rib was then prepared, primed and installed.  The diagonal brace was installed on the firewall bottom.  The forward lower fuselage was then attached to the remaining fuselage.

Time: 2.75 hrs

Rudder Pedal support channels

System Block Studs

Firewall shelf

Fuel tank sealant under shelf

Bracket on tunnel rib

Diagonal Brace

Prime

Attaching forward lower fuselage

Current state of fuselage

Interior view

Assembling forward lower fuselage

 Started assembling the FWD lower fuselage section.  The cowl stiffener was attached. Firewall spacers were made as per plans and then the cowl attach plates were installed.  I used a unibit to enlarge the hole between the gascolator attached holes.  Marks were made to keep hole centered.  I did a pretty well job but it was difficult in that the flange of the tunnel ribs was in part of the hole and it made it difficult to keep centered. 

The rudder support channels were separated and holes dimpled as per plans. The corresponding holes were dimpled on the firewall shelf.

Time: 2.25 hrs.

Riveting together FWD lower fuselage

Cowl attach plates

Unibit used to enlarge hole

Rudder support channels separated and dimpled

Start forward lower fuselage

 Today was a days of oops. I have learned that you have to read and re-read the instructions and even then sometime I do something in the wrong order. On page 22-02 the instructions can be very confusing as the instructions and pictures show many things. The thing I did wrong today was attached the nutplates to the fwd fuse skin to soon. The rivets were easily removed, but it sure wasn't nice to waste time on a step too early.  Lesson: maybe read another time.

Given that some progress was made. The nutplaes were attached to the tunnel ribs and the engine mounts were placed.

Time: 2.25 hrs.

Machine countersink fwd fuse skin

Machine countersink cooler stiffener

Nutplate attached to tunnel ribs

Nutplates attached to FWD fuse skins (mistakenly done at this time)

Riveting engine mount brackets