VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics


Go Back   VAF Forums > Model Specific > RV-7/7A
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-29-2012, 01:42 PM
SuperCubDriver SuperCubDriver is online now
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Germany
Posts: 443
Default Lower Cowl - how to remove and install?

Presently I am fitting the cowls on my RV-7. I noticed that it is kind of difficult to lift the lower cowl into position when the prop is mounted. How are you installing the lower cowl without scratching everything around. How big are your cutouts for the gear legs. It should be easier when these are a little larger than necessary.
__________________
RV-7 flying, IO-375 w. P-Mags, 200RV Prop

RV-8 flying, IO-375, P-Mags, 74RV Prop
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-29-2012, 01:52 PM
pierre smith's Avatar
pierre smith pierre smith is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Louisville, Ga
Posts: 7,840
Default Hi Herman

Click on this link, then scroll down to post #8...very nice system.

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...t=cowl+removal

Best,
__________________
Pierre Smith
RV-10, 510 TT
RV6A (Sojourner) 180 HP, Catto 3 Bl (502Hrs), gone...and already missed
Air Tractor AT 502B PT 6-15 Sold
Air Tractor 402 PT-6-20 Sold
EAA Flight Advisor/CFI/Tech Counselor
Louisville, Ga

It's never skill or craftsmanship that completes airplanes, it's the will to do so,
Patrick Kenny, EAA 275132


Dues gladly paid!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-29-2012, 02:26 PM
G34U's Avatar
G34U G34U is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Hingham Mass.
Posts: 64
Default

That is briliant...
__________________
RV-10
Wings
N71TR
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-29-2012, 02:36 PM
gereed75 gereed75 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: pittsburgh pa
Posts: 533
Default heres how I do it

the cowl dance ---

Position prop horizontal

Right hand holding left inlet, Left hand under cowl near center

Face the prop with the cowl hanging down in front of you

Squat down as you slide the cowl under the engine

sight under the prop and you can see both upper aft corners of the cowl as you begin to raise it into place and guide the aft corners to the outside of both gear legs

continue to raise the cowl with the front higher than the back

as the front slips under the prop spinner, raise the back

engage the back vertical hinge on the right side (your left) with the fire wall hinge. does not have to be perfect, just engaged. With this supporting the right side of cowl, your left hand can continue to support the cowl from underneath as you walk around to the left side of the aircraft (to your right) and fully engage and pin that side

keep supporting the bottom with your left hand and walk to the other side, Trading the right hand under the cowl for the left hand. engage the right side hinge and pin it.

voila done

can do it with a bit of practice with no scratching and in about 30 seconds.

If you have a 3 blade prop ..... punt!
__________________
Gary Reed
RV-6 IO-360
WW 200 RV now an Al Hartzell for improved CG

Last edited by gereed75 : 02-29-2012 at 02:47 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 03-03-2012, 01:29 PM
SuperCubDriver SuperCubDriver is online now
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Germany
Posts: 443
Default

So I tried the different suggestions. What works for me is coming up with the lower cowling and the front higher. Slide along the gear legs and go up further, I hold the cowling with one hand while putting a cleco each left and right on the top rear. I will use MilSpec Fasteners later on the firewall, hinges between the top and bottom. I found that enlarging the cutouts for the gear legs on the outer part is helpful this way. I probably will enlarge them further, they will be covered with the intersection fairings. Anyhow it is a tight fit and easy to scratch the prop cutout area.
__________________
RV-7 flying, IO-375 w. P-Mags, 200RV Prop

RV-8 flying, IO-375, P-Mags, 74RV Prop
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 03-03-2012, 02:09 PM
gasman gasman is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Sonoma County
Posts: 3,821
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by pierre smith View Post
Click on this link, then scroll down to post #8...very nice system.

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...t=cowl+removal

Best,
Pierre, When you want to send someone to a post, just clikl on the post # and you will get this.......
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...66&postcount=8 and it will take you right to the post instead of the page that it's on......
__________________
VAF #897 Warren Moretti
2019 =VAF= Dues PAID
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 03-03-2012, 03:11 PM
NickAir's Avatar
NickAir NickAir is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: McMinnville, Oregon: HOME of the SPRUCE GOOSE
Posts: 540
Default Cowl install.

Great post. Cowl install system is helpful.

Tape on the nose gear fairing saves the paint.
__________________
Tailwinds...

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Leonardo Da Vinci

Working on a RV-4
Citabria 7GCBC
Cessna 180
RV7 I0-360 C/S, Slider, AP, Glass, etc. sold.
RV6 O-320 F/P, Slider, AP, Steam, etc., sold
Citabria 7KCAB rental
Piper Cherokee, sold
Sparrowhawk, sold

Proud -VAF- Supporter - Exempt, Dues Paid Anyway.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 03-03-2012, 03:24 PM
Bob Axsom Bob Axsom is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,685
Default Protectors made from File Folders

I make a cover out of file folders for the nose landing gear strut - wrap it around and tape in place.

I make a two piece collar out of file folders and place them around the prop shaft/crank case behind the spinner and tape the two halfs together.

These two "Tools" provide the necessary protection then you just have to handle this big awkward lower cowl and carefully put it on and start one aft vertical hinge pin then the other. I've done mine by myself over 8 years, well Jeanine helped me a few times (and if you have two people it is pretty easy) and no paint damage yet.

Bob Axsom

Last edited by Bob Axsom : 03-04-2012 at 05:05 AM. Reason: improved wording
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 03-04-2012, 05:00 AM
NickAir's Avatar
NickAir NickAir is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: McMinnville, Oregon: HOME of the SPRUCE GOOSE
Posts: 540
Default Chafe setup

I like your anti-chafe setup Bob. Thanks for the tip.

I am going to try your setup for my oil change this month.
__________________
Tailwinds...

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Leonardo Da Vinci

Working on a RV-4
Citabria 7GCBC
Cessna 180
RV7 I0-360 C/S, Slider, AP, Glass, etc. sold.
RV6 O-320 F/P, Slider, AP, Steam, etc., sold
Citabria 7KCAB rental
Piper Cherokee, sold
Sparrowhawk, sold

Proud -VAF- Supporter - Exempt, Dues Paid Anyway.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:25 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.