1 hr. misc.

Well, I was told I could find the piece that spans the gap between the canopy and rear fuselage in the upholstery, but I could not find a piece like that in the bundle of material.  Or anywhere else.  Add that to the list of parts I need...

I did confirm that I can easily move the brake line through the conduit if I need to replace it at some point.  So, once I determine the rivnut locations and fabricate the new cover I can rivet down the floor panel.

In lieu of a posting of work today here's a good video from HomeBuiltHelp:

It's been very cold here in the Northeast and the portable heaters in my garage can't keep up...  Hard to work in the garage when it's in the 40's (4 C).... :-O

Hopefully it'll warm a bit later in the week so I can get it comfortable in there.

1 hr. on the brake lines.

Returned late last night from a bit of a week-long family emergency, so didn't have much energy to work long on the plane today.  Besides the fact that the garage was fairly cold since it was in the 20's outside...

Working with parts sent by Steve @ Aircraft Specialty I worked on mocking up the complete brake system.  Here are the fittings for the brake fluid reservoir.

Current fittings to be removed.

Have I mentioned I don't like hex heads?  That remaining one stripped easily...

So I drilled it out... :-)

Hmm...  These AN fittings don't screw into the parking brake valve.  They go no more than 1 or 2 threads in, so I assume they are not the correct type.  The type that was in there before is on the right.  Straight vs. tapered issue?

These fit.  Quick test fit here, so they are not tightened at all.

1.5 hrs on rear interior skins.

I've seen on factory photos this gap covered by a strip of aluminum.  Is this in the kit (I don't see that anywhere) or did people fashion their own?

Too far off to ream or enlarge, so I just....

...drilled new holes.  This is covered up, so no big deal.

Some other holes where closer, but still off enough to enlarge to the next size.

The access port enlarged so I have better access to the brake lines.  I'll test pulling out and pushing through the brake line so I feel comfortable closing up the floor.  Any other reason not to?

A good EAA webinar is coming up later this month on the all new EAA Flight Test Manual.  Sign up here.  I'll be tuning in for sure!

2.5 hrs. on rear interior skins.

Worked on putting in the left rear interior skin.  I decided to enlarge (on both sides) the inspection panel opening to give me better access to the brake lines.  I'll fashion my own version of the inspection opening covers.

Getting there.  Front halves of the rear interior skins still need riveting (some of the holes are misaligned enough to require up-sizing).

Despite my smile it can get achy being in the cockpit for 2+ hours.  At least at my age...