trigear nose mount hole in firewall.

RickWoodall · #1 01-19-2009, 04:40 PM

Just getting ready to install engine mount. Having trouble wrapping my head around having to drill holes in the firewall for the nose gear leg attach bolt. When we are so worried about the need to make the firewall as safe as we can and sealing up the holes we need with all sorts of special things, this just seems goofy/poor design that we must cut/drill a hole when from first look it seems that if the bolt went in the other way it would work. Anyway of not drilling this hole? Just one of those things were i would rather see if there is a better way or idea as i am not 100% happy with the plans and how that will look etc.

Any suggestions or just drill and move on and get over it?

AlexPeterson · #2 01-19-2009, 04:49 PM

I built my 6A before any of the talk of drilling a hole in the firewall surfaced. I put the bolt in from the bottom, and use one of those all metal, small hex locknuts. The bolt needs to be partially slid through and out of the mount, then start the nut, then tighten. No big deal at all. You might need an extra washer on the bottom to keep the tip of the bolt from contacting the firewall, I don't recall and they are probably all a bit different.

Correction!! I mistyped above. I meant the bolt from the top, nut on bottom. Didn't catch my error until I saw the picture! Sorry.

LettersFromFlyoverCountry · #3 01-19-2009, 05:28 PM

What do you guys do to plug the hole?

LifeofReiley · #4 01-19-2009, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Collins

What do you guys do to plug the hole?

Van's included a stainless plug in the kit. I installed and then siliconed it in too.

Squeak · #5 01-19-2009, 06:10 PM

I did the same as Alex and installed the bolt from the bottom and metal lock nut on top without any problems.
Squeak
RV7A

RickWoodall · #6 01-19-2009, 07:21 PM

I talked to a builder and will follow his advice. I am NOT drilling the hole. Seems goofy. Several people that drilled the hole as per plans have been able to remove the leg for the service bulletin without needing the hole. Maybe a little awkward but i feel much better then an extra firewall penetration. Thanks all AGAIN.

AlexPeterson · #7 01-19-2009, 09:03 PM

Besides having to drill the hole in the panel, you may need two people to service the bolt. I understand the heater diffuser panel would also need to be removed. Seems like a no brainer to put it in upside down. I've heard some need to beat a little dent in the firewall, but that is no big deal either.

LettersFromFlyoverCountry · #8 01-19-2009, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LifeofReiley

Van's included a stainless plug in the kit. I installed and then siliconed it in too.

They did? In the finishing kit? Hmmmm... wonder where I put that?

mcencula · #9 01-19-2009, 09:51 PM

I believe the plug comes in the FF kit.

rvbuilder2002 · #10 01-19-2009, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexPeterson

I built my 6A before any of the talk of drilling a hole in the firewall surfaced. I put the bolt in from the bottom, and use one of those all metal, small hex locknuts. The bolt needs to be partially slid through and out of the mount, then start the nut, then tighten. No big deal at all. You might need an extra washer on the bottom to keep the tip of the bolt from contacting the firewall, I don't recall and they are probably all a bit different.

It's not about being able to assemble it, it's about being able to maintain it.
In a few years after the bolt has possibly rusted in, you may need to remove it for some reason. It is a very simple task if installed as specified...if not ...I guess you can always un bolt and remove the engine mount.