Fuselage

Rudder Pedals & Fuel Lines ( 3 hrs )

Still working on items easier to install with Fuse on it's side.   So I installed the Brake Fluid Reservoir per Sec 33-06 Steps 1 & 2, and Step 1 in Sect 33-07, with T connector attached inside of firewall.   Installed Rudder pedals - just the bare bars - as a trial fit-up.   Required first removing burrs on tube ends, then sanding with 400 grit to polish contact zones (enough to slightly reduce diameter was required to reduce friction).   Discovered Center Bearing Blocks are inexplicably 3 - 4 mm too "thick" and likely require trimming. Otherwise when installed they bow the cross tubes, and add drag.   They did align well fore/aft.   Without the Center Bearings, the Rudder Pedals rotate with minor drag.   I emailed Vans Product Support to check if I'm missing something.

  

    

 Received Fuel Lines from Aircraft Specialty - less than 1week from day ordered.   Look terrific, and better yet,  the one I trial fitted was perfectly aligned with flare fitting.  I'm very pleased I took this route vs bending my own.  Planning to permanently install tomorrow.

 

Fuselage

Fuel Pump & Filter ( 2 hrs )

Step 3-5, Sect 31-04 installed Fuel Pump and Filter (Andair FX375 - MK, Serial No 32590).  Used thread sealant for filter attachment to pump.  Four machine screws attach Pump to F14108A & B mounting flanges on bottom of Fuse.  Required slightly spreading flanges ~1mm, so reversed a clamp.   Done...whew! (rare to have slight difference in holes positions).   Installed Firewall Elbow w/ sealant, and LH & RH Elbows at Fuse Side Skins (these two are left loose for now).  Drilled holes in Rudder Pedal Bearing Blocks (now that I found template!) per Sect 33-05 Steps 1&2.  Ready to trial fit Rudder Pedals.

 

Fuselage

 Fuel Selector Valve  ( 4 hrs )

Completed RH 4 fuel line brackets with blind rivets.

Installed Fuel Selector Valve (Andair Fuel FS20X2 - T ) per Sect 31-03 Steps 1-7.  Used Red Loctite (high strength) on 12 screws mounting 3 Elbow Fittings in correct orientation.  Also added 3 nutplates and Mach C'Sunk faceplate.   

 

Added Ring and Female Spade Connectors to Fuel Pump (Andair ES-PXZ375-TC, Serial No 32530 ) per Steps 1 & 2 at Sect 31-04.    Seems like not a lot accomplished for 4 hrs, but spent time examining exactly what to do, reading "manuals" for valve and pump, etc -- all added up today.

Fuselage

Fuel Line Brackets ( 1 hr )

Jumped to Sec 31-02 since Fuselage is on its side, so easier access for some steps.   Step 1-3 for blind riveting fuel line brackets - LH side completed.   Needed to pay close attention, since some need washers, some w/o due to orientation of part & tool access.  Used wedge tool ( ref Sec 5.4) for tight clearance.   Four on LH side done, doing RH side tomorrow.  

Note:  Vans clarified in email response the Bearing Block Template is actually connected to Brake Pedal C Channels - just need to find and separate.   Since I'd jumped into Sect 33 at midpoint to install UHMW plastic bearings,  I missed two pages earlier at Sec 33-02 where this was identified.   Oops !   But I now have the template...  So I take it back - Vans is only 1 for 3 templates missing.

Fuselage

Rudder Pedal Bearing Block  ( 2 hrs )

While Fuselage is on it's side, decided to jump ahead and work on items easier installed in that orientation.  Much easier to work on center support Rudder Pedal Bearing Block F-6115 per Sec 33-05 and -06.   Drilled #12 locator holes while clamped to support, then enlarged in drill press to #10 holes.   Then split apart via bandsaw.   Assembled loosely for now.   Located in furthest forward position for best leg room (1 of 3 positions).

[Note:  discovered Van's didn't provide Bearing Block Template for LH and RH Blocks, so emailed request to expedite. Seems packing list/inventory is inaccurate for QB's.   They're now 2 for 3 in missing templates needed]

Fuselage

Vents Assembly ( 1 hr )

Bonded Vents to Fuselage per Steps 7 & 8, Sect 29-22.   Worked well to turn Fuselage on it's side for easier access.  After initial set,  added carpenters clamp so I could rotate Fuselage back to opposite side.

Adhesive visible on top side will be hidden
 by Instrument panel and sill overhang.

Fuselage

Vent Assemblies ( 1 hr )

Only had time to complete Step 5 in Sect 29-22 to seal w/ adhesive silicone Vents SV-10 into Ducts.  Attached mounting face with 3 machine screws.  Otherwise, spent some time considering upcoming stages in project. Ordered Fuel Lines pre-bent and assembled via Aircraft Specialty Cabin Fuel Line Kit.   Good feedback in VAF .   Determined I'd spend as much on tube bending and flair tool as buying the precision formed ready to install version from this source (and saved time and aggravation ...Sec 31-06 to -10.