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  #1  
Old 05-17-2016, 11:07 AM
gfb gfb is offline
 
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Location: Madison, WI
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Default Firewall passthroughs?

Trying to figure out the firewall passthroughs I will need for my RV-9A / IO-340 (FP prop.) Do any come with the Vans FW-FWD kit?

Looking at the Cleaveland options. I know I need two of the stainless passthrough kits (SA-05) for sensor wires, etc. I suspect I also need a number of eyeballs for control cables? Seems like they have Alum or steel? Also a different model but I can't quite figure out the differences or which ones to get (and how many.)
FPT1S or FPT1 or FPTTTP? I suspect Throttle, Mixture, Heater, Alt Air?

Also, what should I use to make the holes for the above? (and the heater hole.) I have seen people mention special mandrels that make those larger holes but they are quite pricey for something I will use once or twice per size?

Thanks!
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  #2  
Old 05-17-2016, 11:51 AM
John Tierney John Tierney is offline
 
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Default Punch

For the larger holes, like the heater, find an electrician friend who has access to a Greenlee punch tool kit.
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  #3  
Old 05-17-2016, 12:05 PM
Rupester Rupester is offline
 
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...OR find someone with a set of Rotabroach bits. They go thru the stainless firewall like the proverbial hot knife. The Rotabroach set is too pricey to buy; they're only practical if someone will lend them to you.
Some EAA chapters have a tool crib, in which case the Rotabroach set can be used by many.
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  #4  
Old 05-17-2016, 12:23 PM
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RVTrumpet RVTrumpet is offline
 
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A more time consuming option: Try drilling a lot of #40 holes around the perimeter of the desired opening, then use a rotary cutter to remove the material between the holes. I know, it's a lot of drilling through steel, but a good bit with lubrication should make it slightly less onerous.
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  #5  
Old 05-17-2016, 12:44 PM
rightrudder rightrudder is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RVTrumpet View Post
A more time consuming option: Try drilling a lot of #40 holes around the perimeter of the desired opening, then use a rotary cutter to remove the material between the holes. I know, it's a lot of drilling through steel, but a good bit with lubrication should make it slightly less onerous.
I did it this way too. I figured it was easier than chasing down a punch.
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  #6  
Old 05-17-2016, 02:36 PM
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bruceh bruceh is offline
 
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I bought a set of punches from Harbor Freight and they worked just fine for the passthroughs (including all of the control cables).

Use a unibit to get the initial 3/4" hole started, then use the punch to enlarge this to 1 1/8" for the pass throughs. I used a 1" diameter pass through from Safeair1.com (no longer available).

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  #7  
Old 05-17-2016, 03:26 PM
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digidocs digidocs is offline
 
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Vans has a nice stainless firewall passthrough available now, FF-00001, for only $14.

David
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  #8  
Old 05-17-2016, 05:10 PM
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wirejock wirejock is offline
 
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Default Passthru

Quote:
Originally Posted by digidocs View Post
Vans has a nice stainless firewall passthrough available now, FF-00001, for only $14.

David
Got any photos?
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  #9  
Old 05-17-2016, 10:28 PM
lr172 lr172 is offline
 
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Unibits seem to work well on stainless. HF has a cheap set of three and the big one goes to 1.5", I believe. For the big heater hole, I roughed out the hole with a cut-off wheel and finished it with a carbide bit on the die grinder. Only took 20 minutes.

Larry
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  #10  
Old 05-18-2016, 12:10 AM
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digidocs digidocs is offline
 
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About 1" in diameter, stainless steel.
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