Crack on Bottom of Firewall

[MartinPred]

Just discovered this crack on the bottom of my firewall when I had the avionics cover open. You can see daylight through it from the top. Looks like the left exhaust pipe has been rubbing against it.

N402BD is over 20 years old and has logged over 1,200 hours. Is this something I can stop-drill and put a doubler on? Hoping to make it to OSH this year.



Thanks,

-Matt

 

[BoydBirchler]

It is done on certified planes often. Just make sure to use similar material to the original and use rivets of similar material. Your firewall is most likely stainless steel or galvanized steel (use a magnet to check).

 

[MartinPred]

Copy. Good tip on the use of a magnet.

Thanks,

-Matt

 

[anatolianeagle]

I have the same problem with rv4. Do you guys know any shop that can replace or repair this properly in Seattle area ?