Worked on the project off and on today. Attached the Flo-scan mount bracket after attaching the nutplates. The bracket needs to be MCS (the plans do not tell you to do this).
Took the advice of JetGuy on the VAF forums (after being reminded by Scott Lane) and riveted the F-1202E-R/L Bulkhead Side Channels to the F-1202F bulkhead (Page 23-04, Step 3) before attaching the forward lower fuselage assembly. See the pictures. Don't really know how I would of riveted the channels after attaching the forward lower fuselage assembly. That is a very tight space. The plans could be changed here. Thanks JetGuy. Thanks Scott!!!!!
Then slid the forward lower fuselage assembly onto the fuselage and cleco'ed it into place. Then rotated the assembly on the workbench with the assistance of Renee. This gave me access to the rivet locations. Riveted the assembly sitting on the garage floor. Had to remove the steps to rivet the 2-3 rivets very near this location. Slow but sure.
Have to give another plug to Van's. All of the parts have fit extremely well to this point.
The fuel tank sealant applied to the firewall was still tacky this afternoon. I have kept the garage 65-70 degF and I guess that is to be expected with the low temperatures. Scott Lane also noticed from yesterdays photos that I put a couple of rivets on top of the firewall that I should not have. Will be easy to drill after the sealant cures a bit more. That stuff is sure messy!! Have to remember to tape the "do not rivet" locations.
Something new that scares me a bit begins on Sat. Longeron bending starts tomorrow. Have to look for all of the posts on VAF in Section 23 and all of the posts for longeron(s) to get any hints.
The length of the fuselage is now fixed. No seats yet, so cannot sit in it yet.
Time - 4 hours
