Recently in Fuselage (Section 8) Category

This picture shows the correct position of the rear bow.

The rear canopy bow when first offered up to the fuselage is often too high and is required to be bent to a specific measurement as per the drawings. In my case it must be reduced to 3/4". above the canopy rail as illustrated

The canopy track is drilled through the fuselage then clecoed in place.

The rear canopy bow is slotted into the white UHMW fitting (just visible) to ensure the canopy locks into position correctly.

This is a shot from beneath the baggage door assembly, prior to the drilling of the bottom skin.

You can see that I've begun the drilling process from the inboard edge of the assembly.

It's vital that the door assembly is fitted perfectly and taped or strapped down prior to this stage.

A long drill bit and plenty of clecoes are required for this stage of the fitting not to mention plenty of cushions too.

Trial fit with hinge clecoed in place and hinge pin inserted. Straps to ensure overall fit is secured as no lock installed.

This shot shows the final drill through. The lock hole is visible and the lock is the next stage in the baggage door assembly.

At this point the door is now dismantled for deburring and priming etc.

The lock assembly is fitted next.

Note the notched baggage support bar for the hinge eyelets.

Support, spacer, hinge drilled through for the baggage door system

Van's suggest a home made bending brake to finalise the last curve of the upper baggage door skin.

It's hard to achieve a wrinkle free finish here, so it may be revisited later!