Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I just removed the tank cowl and I really want to do the firewall but I need to know am I Anal or would you guys do it or patch. So give me your votes let me know. You can see the reasons why I want to. It sometimes amazes me what people will do and think its ok. I am mean really how much could a hole saw cost 30 years ago!

thorp 001 by cgifly2, on Flickr

thorp 003 by cgifly2, on Flickr

thorp 002 by cgifly2, on Flickr

Just from the pic the gear may need new lower rubber bushings due to its age and with the engine removed now would be a good time to do that. With the gear off I would R & R a new firewall. With a $5.00 hole saw it sure would have been easier than drilling all those holes to make a cut out !
RB

Having recently R & R'ed a firewall, I would recomend installing the removable floor mod as well. Makes the whole job so much easier.

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

With the tank skin off, engine out, a 30 year old aircraft I would recommend:

1. Remove the landing gear and replace the rubber mounts.
2. Replace the firewall.
3. I feel a must is to, as has been suggested; is to do the floor pannel access modification.

While you can clean up the holes on the firewall and patch them, it doesn't make much sense with everthing removed at this time.

I plan to remove the floor installation and give myself an access to the cockpit from the outside for C-GIRQ.

The writeup is in (Newsletter 142), or simply drilling out each rivet and replacing each on with an 6/32 or 8/32 nutplate and machine screw.

_________________
Victor J Thompson
C-GIRQ
"In Memory Of Dad"

Oh yeah the landing gear is coming off. This is a complete rebuild. Its bent and needs to be straightened. I need more convincing for the floor mod. I am a small guy and have not had a problem getting down there. But am willing to listen to any horror stories. Pictures would be cool to see. And one more thing. Stainless or galvanized? What works best against the aluminum?

What's that old cleche'?
A Stainless firewall is a joy forever???
Stainless steel is hard to work with. It's difficult to bend and snags at your drill bits etc.
But when it's done, nothing can compare.