Panel deburring
Deburred the panel reinforcement angle. I also removed the blue plastic and deburred most of the panel openings as well. It was actually pretty easy to clean up after the water-jet cutting process. I also noticed that the cut out for the avionics stack was almost too low. There’s a tiny bit of the hole for the canopy release still visible at the top.
I spent a little time trying to figure out where to put the re-located panel rib. I’d like to put it outboard (left) of the EFIS. I think the avionics stack will stabilize the middle of the panel just fine. However, on the left I have switches and then there’s the canopy to worry about. I might have to modify the rib somewhat to make it fit there.
On the right side, I’m hoping I can leave the rib in the stock location, but just alter the rib a bit to fit around the co-pilot screen. The stock location of the panel ribs really couldn’t be any worse. It’s right in the middle of any sort of large-screen EFIS or engine monitor.
I riveted on the panel attach angles. It’s pretty tricky to get a bucking bar inside the forward canopy deck. I messed up one rivet with a stair-step shop head and had to re-do it. Of course I had to install the panel and try out the supports. Looking very cool.
