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  #1  
Old 07-12-2020, 02:37 AM
Stewbronco Stewbronco is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Langley BC
Posts: 152
Default Cockpit storage
Hi....I know in the day and age of instrumentation and our small panels every square inch counts ....but has anyone done some sort of storage area above the battery between your legs ? I will have at least a portion of that area available and would really appreciate others experience. Pictures would be greatly appreciated. I know VANS has the " glove box that drops down ....might be applicable for me but I have never seen one Many thanks in advance. Stew. stewhansen@shaw.ca
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  #2  
Old 08-10-2020, 10:36 AM
AzAero AzAero is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Queen Creek, AZ
Posts: 15
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The builder of my 4 built in a nice storage compartment above battery. It comes in handy and I do use it. It is easily removed, but does add some time to access battery. I’ll send some photos your way. Chris
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  #3  
Old 08-10-2020, 11:38 AM
MS1095 MS1095 is online now
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: West Chester, PA
Posts: 99
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Assuming you don't have the rear rudder pedals installed, the floor boards on either side of the stick can be hinged for a fair amount of storage.

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2...0/HPIM0134.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2...0/HPIM0137.jpg
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  #4  
Old 08-10-2020, 05:33 PM
Stewbronco Stewbronco is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Langley BC
Posts: 152
Default Got that one but thanks
Yup ..very handy....looking more for over the tunnel above battery. Many thanks
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  #5  
Old 08-10-2020, 07:07 PM
FinnFlyer FinnFlyer is online now
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Bell, FL
Posts: 380
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I moved the battery forward of the firewall and left the entire forward "tunnel" free for storage. Thinking about a storage "net" to keep stuff in place. I guess one could build a hinged "U" lid to increase the vertical size - just make sure it clears the brake lines.

Disadvantage of that location it's hard to get to, being that far forward.

Finn
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  #6  
Old 08-10-2020, 07:20 PM
Dean Pichon Dean Pichon is offline
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 532
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I have the same issue with space in my -4. Especially valuable would be space I can access while under way. I'd like to install some fabric "pockets" on the side skins to the left and right of the front seat, just aft of the forward spar. Ideally, I'd like to re-purpose something I can buy and modify as necessary, but I haven't seen a solution yet. Any examples or ideas would be most appreciated.
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  #7  
Old 08-10-2020, 08:39 PM
RV8JD's Avatar
RV8JD RV8JD is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 933
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dean Pichon View Post
I have the same issue with space in my -4. Especially valuable would be space I can access while under way. I'd like to install some fabric "pockets" on the side skins to the left and right of the front seat, just aft of the forward spar. Ideally, I'd like to re-purpose something I can buy and modify as necessary, but I haven't seen a solution yet. Any examples or ideas would be most appreciated.
Bill VonDane obtained some mesh pockets for his RV-8. May work on the -4, especially the smaller ones. See these posts:

https://vansairforce.net/community/s...8&postcount=12

https://vansairforce.net/community/s...1&postcount=14

https://vansairforce.net/community/s...1&postcount=17
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RV-8, 790 Tach Hours (Pic 1),(Pic 2)
- Out with the Old, In with the New (Pic)
RV-8, 1938 Tach Hours (Pic 1),(Pic 2) - Sold
Glasflugel Standard Libelle 201B - Sold
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  #8  
Old 08-11-2020, 03:19 PM
smokyray's Avatar
smokyray smokyray is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: TX32
Posts: 1,890
Default Forward baggage, sorta...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stewbronco View Post
Hi....I know in the day and age of instrumentation and our small panels every square inch counts ....but has anyone done some sort of storage area above the battery between your legs ? I will have at least a portion of that area available and would really appreciate others experience. Pictures would be greatly appreciated. I know VANS has the " glove box that drops down ....might be applicable for me but I have never seen one Many thanks in advance. Stew. stewhansen@shaw.ca
Stew,
Short answer, yes.
When I built my Four back in the late 80's. innovation still started with "I." Before the Eight was even a thought, the RV4 needed a forward baggage container.
I came up with mine on a long leg staring between my legs at the battery box. I relocated the battery to the firewall which helped my CG and hinged the forward edge of the box. Voila, lots of room for a tool box, canopy cover, small chocks, whatever...

Additionally I fitted the top of the cover with small fittings that when closed allowed for a bungee cord and attached my small backpack there on top.
Here's a pic...



Hey I flew Bronco's too...hope that helps...
V/R
Smokey
Last edited by smokyray : 08-11-2020 at 03:22 PM.
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  #9  
Old 08-11-2020, 06:42 PM
Dean Pichon Dean Pichon is offline
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 532
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RV8JD View Post
Bill VonDane obtained some mesh pockets for his RV-8. May work on the -4, especially the smaller ones. See these posts:

https://vansairforce.net/community/s...8&postcount=12

https://vansairforce.net/community/s...1&postcount=14

https://vansairforce.net/community/s...1&postcount=17

Hi Carl,

Thanks for those links. That looks like a nice solution. I had been looking at visor organizers but think Bill's zippered pockets would work better.



Regards,

Dean
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  #10  
Old 08-12-2020, 01:01 AM
Stewbronco Stewbronco is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Langley BC
Posts: 152
Default More ideas
Many thanks to all. ... this link was sent by a member from VAF ( apologies as I had to delete the email and name escapes me !) ....probably the solution I am going with for side panels ...https://www.kitplanes.com/full-inverted-pocket-system/
.....love the " small world " we live in ....Dean very graciously sold me a rudder kit that is now on plane and Carl extended me a couple of " helping hands " along the way that are very much appreciated.
Really appreciate the wealth of experience in these replys and sure easier than two or three try's to get it right ....." it's a prototype... unless it works !" Cheers. Stew
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