---------------------------------------------------------- RV8-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Wed 10/26/05: 4 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 05:17 AM - Re: Instrument access (Bruce Niles) 2. 06:21 AM - Re: Instrument access (Scott Bilinski) 3. 07:26 AM - Instrument access (Glen Matejcek) 4. 07:53 AM - Re: Instrument access (James Freeman) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 05:17:05 AM PST US From: "Bruce Niles" Subject: Re: RV8-List: Instrument access --> RV8-List message posted by: "Bruce Niles" Hi Craig, I have two doors on that bulkhead. One on the lower and one on top. Although they are primarily for fuse buss access, they will also provide easier access to other "stuff". I cut the holes smaller than needed and 45'd the corners. I then carefully bent these 5/8" tabs to 90 degrees. This reinforced the whole area. I suppose I could e-mail you some pics directly if it would help. Good luck BCN (RV8) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Craig" Subject: RV8-List: Instrument access > --> RV8-List message posted by: Craig > > I've seen several different ways to improve access to the rear of the > instrument panel on RV8's. The option that makes the most sense to me is > to cut access holes in the F-866BPP bulkhead in order to access the > backside of the instruments throught the forward baggage compartment. I > was hoping to make cut outs on each side of the bulkhead leaving a strip > in the center. I was planning on holding the panel covers on with nut > plates or perhaps using a hinge connection along the bottom with nutplates > along the sides and top.. Does this require adding any reinforcement to > the F-866BPP bulkhead? Has anyone who has done this had a problem with > deformation of the bulkhead and/or top front skin? > > Thanks, > > Craig Gallenbach > RV8AQB Fuselage > > > ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 06:21:04 AM PST US From: Scott Bilinski Subject: Re: RV8-List: Instrument access --> RV8-List message posted by: Scott Bilinski I have never understood why people dont just make the cable bundles longer so there is a service loop. I did this and it works great remove the panel screws and then just set the panel in you lap, sure easier than cutting things up. I also used plastic mill spec type connectors, this way undo about 3 connectors and the panel comes out of the plane. It is very easy and simple with a little planning. At 05:32 PM 10/25/2005 -0700, you wrote: >--> RV8-List message posted by: Craig > >I've seen several different ways to improve access to the rear of the >instrument panel on RV8's. The option that makes the most sense to me is >to cut access holes in the F-866BPP bulkhead in order to access the >backside of the instruments throught the forward baggage compartment. I >was hoping to make cut outs on each side of the bulkhead leaving a strip >in the center. I was planning on holding the panel covers on with nut >plates or perhaps using a hinge connection along the bottom with nutplates >along the sides and top.. Does this require adding any reinforcement to >the F-866BPP bulkhead? Has anyone who has done this had a problem with >deformation of the bulkhead and/or top front skin? > >Thanks, > >Craig Gallenbach >RV8AQB Fuselage > > Scott Bilinski Eng dept 305 Phone (858) 657-2536 Pager (858) 502-5190 ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 07:26:53 AM PST US From: "Glen Matejcek" Subject: RV8-List: Instrument access --> RV8-List message posted by: "Glen Matejcek" Hi Craig- snip make cut outs on each side of the bulkhead leaving a strip in the center. I was planning on holding the panel covers on with nut plates I'm aware of several -8's that have that sort of arrangement, and it's always been a point of curiosity to me. The implication as I see it is that it's preferable to go through the contortions required to first remove the access hatch and then reach through to the item of interest, which one may or may not be able to see. rather than sit down in the front seat, remove a dozen screws right in front of you, and lay the panel in your lap to work on it / behind it. I've also seen folks cut hatches in the exterior skin of the plane to access the behind-panel area. This also works, of course, but the implications of a water leak in that area really concerns me. I guess I just don't see the overall advantage to the access hatch vs panel as designed. And, perhaps I'm being naive here, but I don't see me spending much time behind the panel once the plane is flying. FWIW- Glen Matejcek aerobubba@earthlink.net ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 07:53:34 AM PST US From: James Freeman Subject: Re: RV8-List: Instrument access --> RV8-List message posted by: James Freeman Glen Matejcek wrote: >--> RV8-List message posted by: "Glen Matejcek" > >Hi Craig- > >snip > > make cut outs >on each side of the bulkhead leaving a strip in the center. I was planning >on >holding the panel covers on with nut plates > > > > Craig-- I did this and it's one of the better mods I made. I have been behind the panel more times than I can count since I got the airplane flying, although it's betting less frequent now at about 80 hours. I don't think it's helpful to cut both sides out, because you'll be reaching in through the baggage door anyway, so just the right side is necessary. I used a hinge and nutplates as you are planning and would do it again. James Freeman RV8 N9TN