Sat Nov 29 12:00:26 2008 - Got the main tires assembled and ready to go. Be sure line up the red dot (if any) on the tire with the valve stem. These are the Grove wheels so they'll look different than the Matco brand that comes with the kit.

Fri Jun 20 21:23:24 2008 - The fit turned out pretty good. I later riveted the angle to the rib. When I get my panel setup, I'll have a better idea of where I want this rib permanently.

Fri Jun 20 21:22:56 2008 - I know that I'm going to have to relocate the left rib behind the instrument panel over to the right some. I used a steel plate to help guide my cut.

Sun Jun 1 19:33:22 2008 - Decided it was time to fit and attach the NACA side vents. Some builders just rivet, others just proseal (or otherwise glue) , and others proseal and rivet. I went for the proseal and rivet method. The rivets are spaced 2" apart starting from the forward edge and last one is spaced 1.5". Since AN426-AD3 rivets are going to be used, some kind of backing plate is needed so that the rivets do not crush and pull through the plastic. Also, make sure you install your rudder pedals BEFORE you attach the last vent. Also, the pink surveyors tape that is tied around the master cylinder is to act as a reminder that I need to come back and do some work. In this case, I ran out of castle nuts and I need to replace the plane nut that is currently in place.

Fri May 9 21:14:53 2008 - After getting the rudder and brake pedals installed, I got a sinking feeling that I was going to hit the parking brake valve with the pedals. So on goes the VS and rudder and attach the rudder cables. Turns out I've got a good solid inch of clearance. Good to know for future reference.

Fri May 9 21:14:24 2008 - Fit the brake pedals. I'm not sure I like how the pedal angles worked out, though. Time will tell if they will bother me. If they do, I've got some "plan b" solutions. Figured I'd better get this straightened out before I attach the NACA vents. On a related note, I opted to install a single AN3-56 bolt for each pedal. There have been some remarks in the forums of sticking pedals and this was a possible solution. Be sure to orient the bolts, especially for the outboard pedals, so that they can be removed if necessary.

Fri May 9 21:14:00 2008 - During the process of drilling of the brake pedals, I needed a reliable way of marking the pedal. So I sacrificed an AN3 bolt and filed a point on the end.

Sat Apr 26 20:16:17 2008 - The aft top skins are riveted on.

Sat Apr 26 20:16:01 2008 - It only looks fun on the inside!

Sat Apr 26 20:15:29 2008 - Aniko did the riveting (and an awesome job, I might add) up top while I practiced yoga in the fuselage. Trust me, the smile is masquerading my "Hurry up and take the picture!!!". This is not a place I plan to visit very often. So while I was here, I attached the static lines to the ports and attached the seat belt anchors to the longerons. I figure I still need one more visit to take care of any extra wiring, attach the seat belt cables, and run the static line up towards the cabin.