I am considering adding access panels to the sides of the top forward skin, in addition to my access door in the baggage compartment. Any pictures or drawings of those who have done it, and tips, would be a great help.
Thanks
AL Grajek
Nordo,
Unless you're going to go with traditional 6 pack via vacuum, you'll have plenty of access from behind the panel, and when you pull the front mounted EFIS screens, you have good frontal access.
If you put access panels in the skin, be sure that they are fastened well around the perimeter. The skin provides enourmous torsional rigidity by carrying shear. An access panel that is like a baggage door will cripple the torsional stiffness. The RV-8 baggage door works because of the substantial diagonal bracing between the longerons and the firewall at the engine mount points.
You are correct Mutha! Didnt think about that. Once I pull the D180 and the 396, I should have plenty of access. Saves me a lot of work!:^)
Thanks!
Nordo
