Thanks for your responses
Gentlemen,
Thanks for your input on the cowl fastener issues. I learned much from your input. I have made the decsion to buy the skybolt fasteners. That decision was made easier because of the current 20% off sale by skybolt.
I like the system mentioned by a couple of builders, of using the skybolt fasteners for the firewall and the supplied hinges for the sides. However, you get such a price break when you buy a complete kit from skybolt that there is little economic advantage in going with the hinges on the sides.
Although I am frugal, I think that the skybolt system, compared with hinges on the firewall, is worth the extra investment. The thought of drilling out the rivets along the firewall to install a new cowl hinge in a couple of years makes the credit card come out of my wallet a little easier.
I called skybolt to ask about their product and pricing. They were very nice and knowledgable about their product and its application to RV's. The woman with whom I spoke told me that they had not raised the price of their products for 8 years, but planned to do so after the current sale is over.
I bought a complete set of the slotted (as opposed to phillips) head fasteners for $317. If you have made the decision to go with skybolt, you may want to move on it before the price increase. Just thought that I would let you know.
Tony Johnson
RV8A Orlando