Access panels

[leok]

I only installed a few things forward of the sub-panel. The VPX-pro and CPI-2 main box. Both are installed with a hinge/pin set up on the firewall end and two screws accessed from below at the aft end. I also left service loops in the wires so I could remove the boxes and make/remove the connections with the boxes where I could access them much easier.

An access panel would make brake lines and rudder pedals easier to service, but no additional access to the electronics would make too much difference. The trade off for a nice clean, leak free front deck was worth it to me. So far I am good with my choice.

[bgrandorff]

Originally Posted by MS19087

I have a QB fuselage - I am still in the build process - however i installed these as one of the first items i worked on with my QB. They have allowed me to do lots of work MUCH easier. Installation of rudder pedals, installation of brake lines, fuel lines, firewall penetrations, etc. For me these were a great addition. I will also appreciate them as I install and maintain remote LRU's, etc. Very happy i did this - no more laying on my back as i did for years with my -9A tip-up! Check this out.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RUp...2eOQIw1zRaLwvy

Your share isn't public just fyi.

[MS19087]

Originally Posted by bgrandorff

Your share isn't public just fyi.

I fixed the link!

[Zuldarin]

I installed them in both my RV-9A and the RV-10 I'm building.

I will be the first to admit that I'm lazy and will do a lot to make a job easier...I don't like lying on my head bent over a spar trying to work under the panel near the firewall for example. Yes the area from the panel to the sub-panel is easy to get to and I installed just about all of my avionics in that area. However, its not the only area with wires and other items (such as the voltage regulator and brake lines). Additionally its really hard to work on any firewall penetration (wire penetrations, fuel penetrations, etc) if I can't reach both sides at the same time. Here is an example of a good use of the access panels.

[oren_rokach]

Thank you guys for all your comments!
inspiring as always!

[rdamazio]

Don't forget that Van's makes the OP-43 kit for this now:
https://www.vansaircraft.com/wp-cont...0/02/OP-43.pdf

[oren_rokach]

Thanks Rodrigo,
Yes. This questions came as I finalizing my FWF kit order

[mturnerb]

Originally Posted by MS19087

I have a QB fuselage - I am still in the build process - however i installed these as one of the first items i worked on with my QB. They have allowed me to do lots of work MUCH easier. Installation of rudder pedals, installation of brake lines, fuel lines, firewall penetrations, etc. For me these were a great addition. I will also appreciate them as I install and maintain remote LRU's, etc. Very happy i did this - no more laying on my back as i did for years with my -9A tip-up! Check this out.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RUp...2eOQIw1zRaLwvy

One compelling argument in favor in the -14/14A is access to the canopy struts. When (not if) they need replacing the access is quite nice.