Need an extra hole in the firewall - but what for?

[TASEsq]

I have a brand new spot on the firewall which could do with a 1/4” or larger hole.

Any ideas what could mount here? [sad face]

TLDR: I had the firewall assembly firewall down to rivet the cover ribs to the bottom skins and dropped the f*$@ing bucking bar. I should know better by now.

I’m 50/50 on whether trying to tap the dint out, or massage it out with a spoon etc is a good idea. Or if I’m better to just leave it.

[Webb]

2 large washers and a bolt would work as camouflage.

[PaulvS]

I say just leave it as-is for now and then later on when you may have a definite need for it, then you can use it. And if not... then it will have been forgotten, and you can just live with it.

[Gnvflyer]

I know how you feel... I dropped my tungsten bar into the leading edge while closing up my wings. Not going to be easy to fix.

[TASEsq]

Is it worth trying to tap the dent out, with a backing lead shot bag or a bucking bar etc??

Or I’m likely to make it worse!

[PaulvS]

Originally Posted by TASEsq

Is it worth trying to tap the dent out, with a backing lead shot bag or a bucking bar etc??

Or I’m likely to make it worse!

It will more than likely end up worse because the metal is stretched and being ductile it will become rippled. Honestly, you really won't notice it when the engine is installed and the cockpit is fitted out with rudder and brake pedals and brake lines all down below the panel.

If you must try something, then definitely do not beat it with a hammer or use anything soft like a shot bag. Least likely to cause more damage is the back of a lubricated dessert spoon worked slowly around the dent with a flat steel plate behind. Definitely don't try to push down on the centre of the dent because it will just spread out. The stainless will probably become burnished and the spot may still be noticeable. Practice on some scrap stainless first. But really, just leave it as is!

[Bruce]

Could just use this conversation piece.

[MED]

A wise man (DR) once told me “We start out building a Swiss watch and end up building an airplane.” Just leave it. You will likely forget it is there by the time you are done.

[rocketman1988]

I have found that using two nested tinnerman washers works really well. Just drill a hole put a CS tinnerman washer on the front, one on the back, and a SS FH screw through them. Secure with a locknut on the back side.

[Mike S]

Use one of Dan Horton's Fiberfrax/stainless foil setups.