Attached Flange on the back of the Firewall

Click to enlarge

I did find some time on Christmas eve to go back and create and attach the flange on the back side of the firewall. I was looking at some other builders' photos and discovered that I had forgotten to do this. This process was very easy to do. I stuck the .75"x.75"x.0625" angle up to the back side of the firewall and marked the places on this angle where the firewall had flange cuts. Then, using a #40 drill bit, I drilled holes at these locations on the mounting side of the angle. I then used my band saw to cut slots up to these holes so I could bend the angle to match the contour of the firewall edge. Be careful not to take too much material out of the mounting side of the angle. You don't need to, as you do not bend the angle much to get it to take the shape of the firewall edge.

Finishing Touches on Top Skin

I did work on the airplane this past weekend, but didn't take any pictures. I pulled the rivets on the top skin. Before I did, I remembered that I will be putting the side skin under the top skin, which is not what the plans call for. So, before pulling the rivets I had to go back and crease the edge so it will make a nice fit when I do pull the rivets along the rear stringer. I also may make my temporary angles which are holding the F8 & F9 bulkheads tops in place permanent. They seem to be holding everything in place nicely. I still have time to decide.

I also started cutting the lower skin. I think I will do it in 3 parts.

I am having knee surgery this Friday, so building will come to a stop for a while.