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RV-8 side storage
- Thread starter Webb
- Start date
I can't take any credit for it, because I didn't do it, but this is what is in the -8 that I have. It is very convenient.
Some thoughts:
- This is the most common storage spot:
- The opposite side can be done, but if you have a rear throttle the space is limited and for me not worth the effort:
- I recommend not putting storage forward of these spots (outboard of the passenger foot wells). I flew in the back of an RV-8 with these made into storage and found that they prevented my feet from doing anything other than pointed straight up (instead of relaxed and angled outboard). This was an annoyance.
- I did see one RV-8 with the right side aft panel below the arm rest modified to have a storage area. This works but is not accessible to the pilot in flight, and if you have a passenger the stuff sticking out can be a problem. Do not make the storage taller than the existing rear seat arm rest. Some restoration of panel strength would be a good idea as well.
Carl
- This is the most common storage spot:
- The opposite side can be done, but if you have a rear throttle the space is limited and for me not worth the effort:
- I recommend not putting storage forward of these spots (outboard of the passenger foot wells). I flew in the back of an RV-8 with these made into storage and found that they prevented my feet from doing anything other than pointed straight up (instead of relaxed and angled outboard). This was an annoyance.
- I did see one RV-8 with the right side aft panel below the arm rest modified to have a storage area. This works but is not accessible to the pilot in flight, and if you have a passenger the stuff sticking out can be a problem. Do not make the storage taller than the existing rear seat arm rest. Some restoration of panel strength would be a good idea as well.
Carl
I made storage compartments ABOVE the arm rests in front, on both sides. The arm rest itself forms the bottom of the compartment.
I don't think anyone actually finds the front arm rests useful as arm rests anyway. But I'm pretty happy with the storage there. However, I did make the sides come up a bit too high, (so the compartment is too deep). It is a bit hard to reach in to grab a pen, for example. So on my next one, the compartments won't be quite so deep.
I also made a small storage compartment in the right hand side flap drive cover. There is a partition on it to prevent anything from drifting back into the actual flap drive mechanism. I keep a small bag of tools and spare headset batteries in there.
I don't think anyone actually finds the front arm rests useful as arm rests anyway. But I'm pretty happy with the storage there. However, I did make the sides come up a bit too high, (so the compartment is too deep). It is a bit hard to reach in to grab a pen, for example. So on my next one, the compartments won't be quite so deep.
I also made a small storage compartment in the right hand side flap drive cover. There is a partition on it to prevent anything from drifting back into the actual flap drive mechanism. I keep a small bag of tools and spare headset batteries in there.
Mine are like Steves, and I agree that the arm rests aren’t really useful for an average-sized person. I also built similar compartments below the upper ones, which gives lots of room for accumulated pilot stuff…
pockets
I just installed pockets on all the upholstery panels. Ended up with 5 pockets on each side - lots of storage. See video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KECH6NEaXY
I just installed pockets on all the upholstery panels. Ended up with 5 pockets on each side - lots of storage. See video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KECH6NEaXY
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So there I was minding my own business.
On the way out the door going to work, my support staff asked if she can have a USB port in the back to charge her phone.
No problem. Of course I didn’t tell her that one was going back there anyway.
Will I have someplace to put my phone when I’m not using it and it can still be charging?
No problem. Surprise. I guess I didn’t want to curl the mid side skins today.
5 hours later, no problem. BTW - Small boxes are harder to make than large ones. A millimeter or 2 off knocks them out of square quickly.
I am using the top of the space below the arm rest for her and the rest will be for storage.
On the way out the door going to work, my support staff asked if she can have a USB port in the back to charge her phone.
No problem. Of course I didn’t tell her that one was going back there anyway.
Will I have someplace to put my phone when I’m not using it and it can still be charging?
No problem. Surprise. I guess I didn’t want to curl the mid side skins today.
5 hours later, no problem. BTW - Small boxes are harder to make than large ones. A millimeter or 2 off knocks them out of square quickly.
I am using the top of the space below the arm rest for her and the rest will be for storage.
Attachments
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Exactly what I’m planning. Thanks for visual.
Yeah, but what about the cigar lighter?
Yeah, but what about the cigar lighter?
Essential equipment in case the Fuente to the left of it needs a recharge.
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BruceEicher
Well Known Member
Same here. Absolutely vital. It's where the kitchen garbage bag rides, the kind with the red strip around the opening....
Sorry to revive this old topic- but I'm about to do this same mod to my RV8. Steve seems like a pretty thorough guy, so I'm assuming it's not a problem to drill some 1/8' holes in this area for the pull rivets to attach the sheet metal for the storage compartment? Just want to be sure before I drill on my airplane.
Should be no problem drilling a reasonable number of holes in the bulkhead flanges to mount boxes - we al do that. However, think ahead before you pop rivet them in place to make sure that with your storage bin there you can still get screwdrivers in to remove the floorboard screws for inspections and maintenance. When I did my storage boxes decades ago, I installed them with screws and nut plates so that they can come out when I need to get at the screws. It’s really easy to build yourself into a corner!
plate nuts would be preferred over pull rivets. You may want to remove it for some reason.
With the storage being above the armrest (armrest forms the bottom of the compartment) I'd be drilling into the bulkhead cap. Doesn't seem like there's a way to get nut plates back there at this time. Paul, I think you're referring to storage that would be below the armrest, I've decided to leave that area open for the passenger's feet. And so as not to accumulate too much stuff.
Looking at the plans, the bulkhead cap doesn't appear to be as structural as it looks from the cockpit view.
Appreciate the input.
Looking at the plans, the bulkhead cap doesn't appear to be as structural as it looks from the cockpit view.
Appreciate the input.
