We shrunk the fabric for both left and right sides of the fuselage to 300 degrees F. We opted to stop at that temperature and not go any higher because the fabric was plenty taut, and we noticed (like other builders) some minor deflections (scalloping) in the fuselage tubes so didn't want to create any unnecessary strain on the fuselage by shrinking to 350 degrees.
We also made some custom 5" aluminum inspection rings (5" outer diameter, and about 3.75" inner diameter) for both sides of the vertical stabilizer to allow for easy access to the elevator bolts and control fork. These rings are larger than standard inspection rings to make it easier to access those parts and still have the necessary movement needed to control the elevator. We spent a little bit of time bending these aluminum rings into shape so that they would sit relatively flush against the curving surface of the vert. stabilizer. We actually had to remake one of these rings because it didn't fit flush enough against the fabric and started lifting away from the fabric in a few spots after gluing, and it then got bent out of shape a bit when we removed it. But overall, this was not a big problem and was easy to fix. After gluing the rings in place, we cut out the inside fabric, and attached doilies on top. The doily fabric was wrapped inside the hole which finished off the inside hole edge nicely.
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| Elevator access holes |
Two additional plastic inspection rings were also installed (with doilies), one on the bottom for access to one of the servos for the autopilot, and another on the side for access to the ELT.
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| Inspection ring for easier access to the ELT |
Two plastic grommets were installed on the fuselage bottom for pass-thru holes that are intended for landing light wiring, and doilies were likewise installed over these grommets.
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| Grommet for landing light |
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| Two antenna ground planes (transponder and ADS-B) |
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