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07-23-2015, 07:57 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Southeast
Posts: 663
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Pros and Cons of the Sky Bolt fasteners
Skybolt is offering 25 percent off on their complete cowling system. I know there are some weak points with the piano hinges, I believe along the lower sides of the -10s ?. Does anyone have experience with the Skybolt system. Would you use them to attach the upper and lower cowling vs the piano hinges.
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07-23-2015, 08:07 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 2,653
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I used the similar Milspec system on my RV-6A. No hinges and I love it. Some people don't like the look of the fasteners, but to me they look very nice - an aircraft-like accent. And the convenience is great. Some folk have also opted for a combined system - some hinges and some 1/4 turn fasteners - in order to get the finished look they were after. It is true that the hinges make a cleaner-looking attachment.
Anyway, I liked the 1/4 fasteners so much on my -6A that it is a no-brainer to use them on my -10. I've been flying the -6A since 2008 and bought the fasteners for my -10 in 2009 and not changed my mind since. Just one opinion...
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Patrick Kelley - Flagstaff, AZ
RV-6A N156PK - Flying too much to paint
RV-10 14MX(reserved) - Fuselage on gear
http://www.mykitlog.com/flion/
EAA Technical Counselor #5357
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07-23-2015, 08:08 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Boulder, CO
Posts: 4,435
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People seem to use the piano hinge, MilSpec or Skybolt fasteners. Since the fastener kits are available for portions of the cowl or for a whole cowl, some people surely use a mix.
Here's a thread that might be pertinent.
Dave
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07-23-2015, 09:00 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Suwanee, GA
Posts: 415
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Both
I used the skybolt ones on the firewall and hing pins on the sides.
Happy with the setup, although it would probably be faster taking it on and off with all skybolts. You can twist the skybolts a lot faster than taking the cover off the hing pin, and pulling it out.
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07-23-2015, 10:45 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BC
Posts: 1,674
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I installed the Milspec version, no hinges and would do it again. I love the adjustability and replacability of them. Are the Skybolts adjustable for depth (tension)?
Bevan
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RV7A Flying since 2015
O-360-A1F6 (parallel valve) 180HP
Dual P-mags
Precision F.I. with AP purge valve
Vinyl Wrapped Exterior
Grand Rapids EFIS
Located in western Canada
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07-23-2015, 10:46 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Big Sandy, WY
Posts: 2,567
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I think side pins on the lower remove much easier and less gouging. Screws and nutplates on either side of the tunnel. Clean, most durable, least hassle. I like hinges on top too. Can't understand the camlok fascination, been fighting them for almost forty years.
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Actual repeat offender.
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07-23-2015, 01:37 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Locust Grove, GA
Posts: 97
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I installed SkyBolt quarter turns on the upper cowl of my RV-10 (firewall and sides), and use pins on the lower cowl. I chose to go this route after experiencing the difficulty of removing the upper firewall pins on my RV-6A. So far, I'm really happy with the SkyBolts on my -10.
And, yes, you can adjust the depth of them fairly easily.
__________________
Aaron Sims
RV-10 (2015 Bronze Lindy)
RV-6A (sold)
Home Field: Mallards Landing (GA04)
Locust Grove, GA
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07-23-2015, 08:09 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Southeast
Posts: 663
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Aaron, could you post or e mail me a couple of pictures of the skybolt imstallation on your 10's cowling. Im trying to get a visual how they look.
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07-23-2015, 09:08 PM
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: X35 - Ocala, FL
Posts: 3,679
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I am fairly partial to the clean look of using hinge pins. I definitely like either screws or quarter turns on the bottom of the bottom cowl instead of hinge. The skybolts, IMHO, are the very best of the quarter turn fasteners. The hinge pins work very nicely if installed right and get better and easier with time, whereas quarter turns get, if anything, a little harder with wear.
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Jesse Saint
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07-24-2015, 06:38 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central IL
Posts: 5,516
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It is hard to say what is better without knowing your objectives. Sometimes that is the hardest thing - saying to yourself -what do i want. And no one can tell you that.
I have SB fasteners - The company has been very very good to me. There are many factors to consider in cowl connection. Ease of R&R is one. Looks. Durability of the system. Rigidity of the connection. Ease of installation. And pillowing between individual fasteners. Remember, these quarter turns just hold the cowl in position with a spring. It is not the same as a screw with a tinnerman. And . . . it is not a distributed loading system like the hinges.
Here is a link about the durability and installation of fixed vs floating receptacles.
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...hlight=skybolt
To satisfy your self, make matrix and look at the various systems and research their various scores on the points above and your personal preferences to see what you conclude. Otherwise just roll the dice and pick one. Education by application. Know the limitations and weaknesses. Also the strengths and pick your path.
If you do the matrix, then you will truly be happy with your answer forever. Everyone does not want a black car. Or, just build with hinges, and screws along the bottom of the firewall. It is proven, looks very clean and does not cost much extra, you will have the instructions and lots of people to help in building.
Happy decision making !
__________________
Bill
RV-7
Lord Kelvin:
“I often say that when you can measure what you are speaking about,
and express it in numbers, you know something about it; but when you
cannot measure it, when you cannot express it in numbers, your knowledge
is of a meager and unsatisfactory kind.”
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