More nose gear strut, fresh air NACA scoop, start door lock install | 10.8.2020

Wanting to check some things, I removed the nose gear strut that wasn't working and installed a fit piece of drilled bar stock that matched the correct length of the nose gear strut. The Stabells had made this at some point, for some reason, I think. Maybe they had the same issues we are. Took the opportunity to check the over-center linkage for proper over-center angle, since I had a flat piece to set the level on.

2.4 degrees on what would be the nose gear strut (bar stock)

4.7 degrees on the other side that attaches to the cylinder

4.7 - 2.4 = 2.3 degrees over center, which is right in line with the book's call for 2-3 degrees. Awesome!

 

Once that was checked, moved on to fitting the fresh air NACA scoop. With the gear hydraulic pump, gear control system, and battery all on the co-pilot's side of the nose, it was a pretty tight fit to find a spot to put the scoop, but after a ton of thinking, measuring, and eyeballing, Emily and I settled on this location. It's on the same center as the oil cooler scoop on the opposite side, so that the symmetry from the front looks good, but slightly further back to keep out of the way of other components inside the nose. All we did was draw the outline and drill the front pilot hole. I need blades for my jigsaw to cut it out entirely.

Drilling the pilot hole for the scoop.

Location outline with parallel line marked to keep it lined up with the oil scoop on the opposite side.

I also drilled the inner and outer hole for the pilot's side door lock. Pilot's side gets a keyed lock, co-pilots can only be unlocked from the inside. I chose to recess this rather than have it sit proud, which makes for a more finished looking install, but also makes this a rather large pain because everything needs to be sized perfectly. I need a reamer to finish the hole without egging it out. Ordered one off ebay for cheap, because I only need it to cut fiberglass, and a $7 worn out one will do, rather than a $50 new one.

Door lock hole drilled

Called it quits for the day once the hole was drilled.

- Jeff

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