Cowl Alignment Tool, instructions

[Phil Sprang]

I bought this beautifully machined aluminum cowling alignment tool from someone on here a couple years ago. It's time to install the cowling and there are no instructions with the tool. I'm pretty sure I know how to put it together but the risk of messing up my cowling is too great to go at it without some guidance.



I've seen the Kitplanes article that discusses the plastic version on an RV 7 that David Howe builds. I don't know who built this aluminum one.

Perhaps I should just bolt the prop on and follow the build manual but I was hoping to avoid that for a bit.

Does anyone have any guidance on this tool?

Thanks!

 

[wirejock]

David and I wrote the article. That’s his design built by Flyboys.
Basically the same concept. Bolt it to the engine. The plates should attach centered to the cowl bowl. Slide the cowl over the pin. It keeps the cowl aligned snd centered to the engine.
Happy to help by phone if I can.

 

[HFS]

David and I wrote the article. That’s his design built by Flyboys.
Basically the same concept. Bolt it to the engine. The plates should attach centered to the cowl bowl. Slide the cowl over the pin. It keeps the cowl aligned snd centered to the engine.
Happy to help by phone if I can.

Larry - Mine & FlyBoy Accessories are independent designs that meet at the same place - I built my first one in the '80's, but kept it to myself for 30+ years.

I don't know where Vince came up with his idea - but I am pretty sure it was independent of mine ...

Best - David

Where are you on your build now ...

Thx

 

[HFS]

Phil - That looks like the one Blake @ FlyBoy Accessories sells. If you go to their website and look under the subtitle "Docs" and scroll down to the Cowl Install Tool instructions, I think you will find what you need for their product.

Good luck - David

 

[Phil Sprang]

Thanks Guys! I found the instructions on the FlyBoy Accessories site.

 

[wirejock]

Larry - Mine & FlyBoy Accessories are independent designs that meet at the same place - I built my first one in the '80's, but kept it to myself for 30+ years.

I don't know where Vince came up with his idea - but I am pretty sure it was independent of mine ...

Best - David

Where are you on your build now ...

Thx

My apologies. I thought he used your design.
I'm close to AWC. My fuel pump went "T-U" so I couldn't fuel test. Also means I couldn't do a final W&B because I don't know exactly how much fuel is unuseable. I did a preliminary W&B and it looks good. Should be ready for AWC as soon as the pump comes back.

 

[vfrazier]

Phil,

I designed the shiny cowl tool and David designed the plastic version. Both of us independently. If I'd known that David, a good friend, had one at the time, I'd just have used his. Lol

The most important thing when using this tool is to understand exactly where the back edge of your spinner will be. Then use whatever tool, or other magic, to put the cowling on, with a suitable gap, behind that spot!

 

[71459]

I used a piece of cardboard from the recycle bin. Cowling alignment came out great!