A few years back I decided I needed a better way to get my head under the panel so I fabricated a wooden platform to lay on. Since then I find I have used it multiple times so I thought I'd share what I did to help me work under the panel of my tip-up RV-6.
First I remove the seats and co-pilot control stick. I then put in two support pieces, one on each side, that supports a plywood panel that lays on top. These were made rough out of scrap lumber I had laying around. I made the plywood platform out of 3/4" OSB material I had and glued some carpet to it. I'm sure that 1/2" material would be adequate. It rests on the spar location in front and I elevated the back end higher to make it easier to pull myself upright and get out again for the next tool I just realized I need. I usually work with my lower legs dangling over the left or right side.
I notched the front edge of the platform to keep if from sliding forward. I'm sure I must have made cardboard templates when I first fabricated it. Cutouts were made of course where needed for the control stick and center support. One modification I should make is a smaller thin piece to slide over the control stick that covers the cutout for it. Tools and material have a way of finding their way in there.
I leave the fire extinguisher in place and put a pillow around it. If I remove the extinguisher, the support bracket digs into my back and I end up bending the mounting bracket. I have my fire extinguisher bracket mounted on the electric flap support in such a way it requires a lot of disassembly to remove it.
I have loaned this to friends who have RV-6A's and it works for them also.
First I remove the seats and co-pilot control stick. I then put in two support pieces, one on each side, that supports a plywood panel that lays on top. These were made rough out of scrap lumber I had laying around. I made the plywood platform out of 3/4" OSB material I had and glued some carpet to it. I'm sure that 1/2" material would be adequate. It rests on the spar location in front and I elevated the back end higher to make it easier to pull myself upright and get out again for the next tool I just realized I need. I usually work with my lower legs dangling over the left or right side.
I notched the front edge of the platform to keep if from sliding forward. I'm sure I must have made cardboard templates when I first fabricated it. Cutouts were made of course where needed for the control stick and center support. One modification I should make is a smaller thin piece to slide over the control stick that covers the cutout for it. Tools and material have a way of finding their way in there.
I leave the fire extinguisher in place and put a pillow around it. If I remove the extinguisher, the support bracket digs into my back and I end up bending the mounting bracket. I have my fire extinguisher bracket mounted on the electric flap support in such a way it requires a lot of disassembly to remove it.
I have loaned this to friends who have RV-6A's and it works for them also.