What's new
Van's Air Force

Don't miss anything! Register now for full access to the definitive RV support community.

Cowl Hinge Shims

rv8or

Well Known Member
RV8 Builders

Looking at the shims for the piano hinges on the firewall
What thickness did people use?
Top
Sides
Bottom

Just trying to get a starting point.

Thanks, in anticipation.

Rob
 
Shims

Mine is a 7A with Skybolts but the concept is similar. I used .032". However, I added a strip of carbon fiber and a strip of fiberglass over it. That's about .020" thickness of stiffener material. Without the added material, I would use .025". Even if its slightly shy, the micro, primer and paint will take up the difference.
 
followed the instructions but..

I followed the plans but the top hinge is curved and uses a smaller rod to go through the curves. this makes the cowl loose at the top. If I did it again, I would increase the shim thickness where the piano hinge flattens out at the top to keep the cowl tighter to the top skin/firewall.
 
Back
Top