Parking brake, parts storage
(Back from Tampa...)

I managed to get in a little time in the shop tonight.

-- I went through all the finish kit bags and stored the parts-n-pieces away.

-- Bolted on the canopy frame backets to the fuselage.

-- Modified the F-745-L rib by cutting off the forward portion that runs from the sub-panel to the main panel. Several builders are doing this so you can offset the forward portion to the left/right to allow your AH instrument to be in the center of your line of vision. Make sense? Here are some pictures.

F-745-R passenger side rib before modification.

F-745-L pilot side rib after being cut. - The angles will attach the new short rib to the center sub-panel. I plan to move the rib inboard instead of outboard as most people are. Seems to make more sense to me.

-- Started playing with the parking brake valve. I think I've figured out a way to mount it on the firewall using the existing brake line bracket. I drilled out the bracket which I had previously installed, cut the flange off with the two holes in it and drill 3/16" holes in the bracket that match the holes in the valve. I installed 3 90 degree fittings in the valve. I need a 45 degree fitting for one hole since a 90 won't turn with the other fitting in place. (Pictures later.)

Brake mounting on inside of firewall

Mounting view from outside - It probably isn't ideal to have bolt heads sticking out on the firewall. I don't think this will cause any interference later on. They could come in handy for something though.. like a bracket or shelf. Who knows...

(I finished parking brake install over in the finish kit blog: http://www.n523rv.com/finishing/2004/11/canopy-release-brake-lines.html)

(Time: 2 hrs)
- posted by Matthew @ 8:08 AM