[LettersFromFlyoverCountry]

I have the same problem that Dan Checkoway had in fitting the tunnel cover in the baggage compartment. The thing is too long -- another case where the predrilled holes really gum things up and a rare display of imprecision from Van's.

I guess I could tuck the flange behind the baggage bulkhead, but that would seem to defeat the purpose of quick and easy access to remove the tunnel cover; you'd have to remove the bulkhead first -- not impossible, but still....work.

I'm thinking of just making a new tunnel cover and using a strap duplicator to get the holes correct on the bagge floor ribs.

Seems to me I've got some wing walk material left over that would work.

Has anyone tried this?

 

[kevinh]

I guess I could tuck the flange behind the baggage bulkhead, but that would seem to defeat the purpose of quick and easy access to remove the tunnel cover; you'd have to remove the bulkhead first -- not impossible, but still....work.

I just put the lip behind the baggage bulkhead. It seems to handle 99% of the cases: Think about when you'd want to remove that tunnel cover - it really only provides access to the middle of the elevator pushrod.

The only time I can see needing access to that pushrod is for the annual inspection. For that inspection the baggage wall will have to come out anyway to inspect/lubricate the ends of the pushrods.

Besides, with the tunnel cover lip behind the baggage wall it looks a little tidier.

Kevin
RV-7A, 50ish hours

 

[Ron Davis]

Tunnel Cover

All I did was oversize the holes and use the #8 screws with a washer. This way I could install it as per the plans. All the holes are symentrical and aesthetics are good.

Ron Davis