Questions
Great thanks guys, a few questions. Are those aluminum vent a direct replacement of the plastic ones? The steps are not included with the fuselage kit? A see that control sticks come with it but vans and tosten offers a "different"? Stick. Does anyone know why they are different? Should I go ahead and buy my stick grips now?
As stated in other responses, you will have to take off a corner of the aluminum vents, but really no big deal. They are tons better. The difference in the stick is because of the grip. If you use the Tosten grip, it sits up too high with the stock Van's sticks, it will hit your panel. The Tosten stick has a little more curve in it and he also pre-drills the holes for you, a huge help. They are undersized a little so you can get a good fit. You can wait to get your stick grips, but Tosten is really good and will pre-wire it for you with the plug at the bottom to attach to Van's harness. You will probably want to spend some time planning that out though, no need to rush it now. Definitely order the steps, if you are going to use them. Van's does not include them in the taildragger kit because not everyone will want them. When you get the fuselage, make sure you install those brackets that are for the steps.
Don't take anything out of the panel because Van's doesn't send the actual panel, just the subpanel parts, which you will need. They are expecting you are going to take care of the panel yourself. Several vendors can help with that and if you are going to customize your panel, the person you get your avionics from can help with that.
The wheels and brakes are in the finishing kit and you have time to figure out if you want to go with the Berenger wheels, very nice product. I would have, had I known about them when I was at that point. The exhaust comes in the FWF, which is after the finishing kit, so again, plenty of time to figure out the exhaust as well. So you have lots of time before you are there, especially assuming you are going to do your wings after your fuselage.