RV-14 Cowling Hinge

[Wings8341]

Gentlemen,

Is anyone at the fuselage build stage and working with installing the cowling hinge and hinge shim? I’m finding the plans a bit confusing. Page 27-04 of (Section 27) FIREWALL, clearly states, “DO NOT DIMPLE SIDE FLANGES,” meaning the side flanges of the firewall. If you look at Page 29-08 of (Section 29) FWD MID FUSE SIDE, it shows the ply’s that are sandwiched together at the firewall flange. Starting from the outside is the side skin panel followed by the firewall flange, cowl hinge shim and finally the cowl hinge. If the firewall flange cannot be dimpled, how is it supposed to mate against the side skin panel? What am I missing here? I spoke with Van’s today and they did not have an immediate answer. They are working on it. Just though one or two of you may have navigated this already. Thanks!

 

[RBR]

You will be dimpling those side skins, but just not yet. The side skin punched holes will be used to as a drilling guide as you match drill the shim and hinge.

 

[Wings8341]

You will be dimpling those side skins, but just not yet. The side skin punched holes will be used to as a drilling guide as you match drill the shim and hinge.

Yup, that’s a valid point, but I’m actually way past that phase. I’m finishing the mid fuselage and the side skins are installed (not all riveted yet). The cowling hinge has been drilled and machine counter-sunk, the skins and hinge shim are dimpled. It’s only the firewall flange that remains un-dimpled per the plans. Makes no sense.

 

[Bavafa]

Yup, that’s a valid point, but I’m actually way past that phase. I’m finishing the mid fuselage and the side skins are installed (not all riveted yet). The cowling hinge has been drilled and machine counter-sunk, the skins and hinge shim are dimpled. It’s only the firewall flange that remains un-dimpled per the plans. Makes no sense.

If you have already match drill the side skin and hinges, then all you need to do is to dimple the flange on the firewall at this point so it is ready for riveting.

 

[Wings8341]

If you have already match drill the side skin and hinges, then all you need to do is to dimple the flange on the firewall at this point so it is ready for riveting.

That’s what I’ve concluded. The confusion comes with the plans specifically instructing NOT to dimple the firewall flange. My contact at Van’s also wasn’t certain why that note exists, but clearly the flange must be dimpled. Thanks for the responses! Safe travels!