Cowl Hinge Shims

rv8or · #1 03-15-2023, 03:37 AM

RV8 Builders

Looking at the shims for the piano hinges on the firewall
What thickness did people use?
Top
Sides
Bottom

Just trying to get a starting point.

Thanks, in anticipation.

Rob

wirejock · #2 03-15-2023, 08:32 AM

Mine is a 7A with Skybolts but the concept is similar. I used .032". However, I added a strip of carbon fiber and a strip of fiberglass over it. That's about .020" thickness of stiffener material. Without the added material, I would use .025". Even if its slightly shy, the micro, primer and paint will take up the difference.

rv8or · #3 03-16-2023, 03:17 AM

Larry

Thanks that is what I needed.

Thanks
Rob

PilotjohnS · #4 03-16-2023, 10:46 AM

I followed the plans but the top hinge is curved and uses a smaller rod to go through the curves. this makes the cowl loose at the top. If I did it again, I would increase the shim thickness where the piano hinge flattens out at the top to keep the cowl tighter to the top skin/firewall.