Any tips on installing the sky bolt fasteners? Do’s and do not’s
The only "Do" I recommend is to screw the receptacles out, lube with Boelube and screw them back in before starting. I had one or two lock up from burrs. It's really annoying to remove the cowl just to replace a stuck receptacle. They lock up if a burr gets in the threads.
You may want to look at adding a shim between firewall and skybolt flanges so the cowl doesn't sit proud.
They are pretty straightforward.
I have a magazine draft with destructions . If you want to read it, shoot me an e-mail (below).
I see you're building an 8:
I am building a second 8 and I will use Skybolts again. What I will do differently is not use skybolts at the very front of the cowl. The curve is such that that it makes it difficult to get the top cowl on as the Skybolts stick out and there is little flex. I love the Skybolts, but I will use screws on the first few inches at the very front.
2 cents
Dave
Removing the clips is done with a pick. You get the pick under one end and give it a flick and half the ring should pop up. Prepare for frustration and bloody fingers, but once you do a few, you'll get the hang of it.
https://skybolt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Instructions-R4G-Removal-fastener.pdf
Dave
I thought so, but what's the purpose of th split end of the tool?
I have an 8 also. Rather that using screws for those front two Skybolt locations, if you just leave off the retaining clips that hold the grommets in place you can completely remove the stud/grommet assemblies from the cowl when unfastening them so they don't stick out.
I have no idea.
I would not.I'm thinking about using Skybolts on my RV-9 wheel pants. I appreciate any feedback doing this or not.
The biggest reason I can see for not using the skybolts on the wheel pants is how deep they go into the wheel pant. They would get pretty close to the tire if they replaced screws. At least they would on mine. Bending the mounting plate to fit the curve would be tricky too. In the end it only takes a few min to unscrew the half’s so not a lot of time savings. The holes can get larger and then you use a tinnerman washer or fill with a little epoxy. If you end up using the skybolts make sure you take pictures. They would look really nice for sure.I'll shelve the idea. Wheel pants are the most removed item right up there with the cowling. The wheel pants on my 26 year old RV-6 show wear in the form of elongated holes. The upper cowling has camlocks that have been trouble free.