Ditch
Man do you bring back memories.....Early 2004 I began my search and went into the old should I .....but.....maybe I can...but.....it looks challenging......boy I would sure like to .....but .....do I have the patience.......will the family support me......$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ and on an on.....until August 2004 got the preview plans and ordered the emp. Work began officially on Sept 4, 2004. Since then I finished a standard build emp/wings/fuse and have started the electrical/panel/engine stuff. Like you I had trepidation about the electrical/fwf/panel stuff. My research on this forum/matrionics/Aeroelectric Connection/and the fantastic builder web sites has made the job much easier. I can tell you that the panel work has been enjoyable even cutting the holes to spec. was not the monster I thought it would be. The more challenging chores were the fuel tanks (you can by pass this up with QB option) , the tip up canopy ( really wasn't as bad as I thought), my patiences.
I could write a book about my build,Oh Dan (Sharpie), plus many others have already done that. I would though in my first chapter dwell on the personel traits of you the build. It would include a few important questions. Like: are you a patient person, do you like to do detailed / tedious / repetitive / sometimes boring activities (knowing that the outcome is going to be great), will your family support you in this endeavor, well you know when to walk from the project and give the family quality time, welling to study, listen to advice, be a perfectionest (but know when good enough will do and be safe in the bargine)enjoy long term projects where the reward is a ways down the road, willing to patiently listen to friends/neighbors/family that either think your crazy, not doing it right (alot of will meaning want to be's will give you great, but usually bad advice), or they will say that you are just wasteing your time ("buy a C 172 and just go flying")....................................
So I guess it boils down to YOU......do you want the pride of knowing you accomplished someting that few will ever try let alone finish.....do you want to fly one fine aircraft near and far.......do you want to overcome those things you think may be too hard to do but find the foretitude to learn/do/and finally overcome your objections and insecurities.
Ditch, it hasn't been easy for me. I have bought my fair share of parts that I messed up, drilled out many a bad rivet ( as a matter a fact I have become an accomplished rivet extractor), felt on some occassions I should just throw in the towel and buy that slow/old/spam can, but.......I want my wife/children/grandchildren/friends/especially on anagonistic EAA rich guy to know that when I start someting it will be finished. I lost my father last September 9, 2007 (he was 93 in good health to the end (except for that prostate cancer that got him) and I felt it dearly to the core. He took me to airshows, kindled in me the love of building stuff, to start someting no matter how hard and to finish it but more importantly do it well! My plane will be N74BZ in honor
of him and his life long nick name "BUZZ" . When I make that first flight in the next few months I will think of him and the motivation he even now gives me from the grave. I will also think of Van's and their great product and help, all you wonderful RV'ers and want to be RV'ers, all of the wonderful companies that provide new and innovative products that really enhance our flying experience, and last but not least my family for their suppor/understanding/and willingness to let me talk on and on about MY BIG PANE PROJECT.
Ditch give it a close look, determine your motivations, and then let it rip or should i say rivet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Frank @ SGU RV7A 80% done 150% to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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