Mostly done with pilot holes after fitting top trim piece to top window...

Rating:
  • Currently 0/5 stars.

Views: 181

Comment

You need to be a member of Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers to add comments!

Join Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers

Comment by David J. Beaulieu on December 19, 2014 at 12:58pm

Mark,

The tab idea is a good one IMHO!  If I were scratch building I would allow for the tabs somehow.  Heck, if i ever crack a windshield I will probably just go ahead and add the tabs. I do not think the minimal spot weld or tacking of a tab would have any detrimental effect on the material strength of the frame.  For now, I will see how much trouble the screws really are as the design calls for.

Comment by Mark Maltais on December 18, 2014 at 8:57pm

I still have clecoes in mine as well.  I do NOT like the self taping screws.  My top window is installed with those and what a nightmare that was to do.  The steel is too hard for this and I went through 4 or 5 screws for each hole before it "threaded" in.  I'm thinking of threading the tube with a tap and using regular AN screws on it but I'm not sure how well that will hold in the long run... I'm thinking it would be fine since the self taps are crap anyways, it sure can't be worse!!!  It would be nice if tabs or a lip was welded to the tube to create an attaching point for the windshield, but I guess that would affect the steel and then it would have to be heat treated to get it's strength back... :(  Oh well, the joys of homebuilding! :D

Comment by David J. Beaulieu on December 18, 2014 at 8:49pm

Trying to choose style/type of fasteners to put into the cabin frame..  Caleb is not encouraging rivnuts on any of the cabin frame, which was my initial preference for the spar carry thru. Yet after reading about some issues with the Truss head self tapping screws, I'm not so sure I'll go that route either.  If I do I will drill midsize between a #30 and #40, and maybe tap with coarse thread 6-32...need to practice a few hole on scrap.  Another semi-dilemma for the average first time builder I guess?

Comment by Mark Maltais on December 18, 2014 at 5:53pm

Good job!!! I knew I did the happy dance when that part was done!  But I won't do the encore until it's bolted on for the last time! :)

New from Zenith:

Zenith Planes For Sale 
 

Classified listing for buying or selling your Zenith building or flying related stuff...


Custom Instrument Panels
for your Zenith
:

Custom instrument panels are now available directly from Zenith Aircraft Company exclusively for Zenith builders and owners. Pre-cut panel, Dynon and Garmin avionics, and more.


Zenith Homecoming Tee:


Zenair Floats


Flying On Your Own Wings:
A Complete Guide to Understanding Light Airplane Design, by Chris Heintz


Builder & Pilot Supplies:

Aircraft Insurance:

 
 

West Coast USA:

 
Pro Builder Assistance:

 

Transition training:

Lavion Aero

K&S Aviation Services

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty for all your building and pilot supplies!

How to videos from HomebuiltHELP.com

Developed specifically for Zenith builders (by a builder) these videos on DVD are a great help in building your own kit plane by providing practical hands-on construction information. Visit HomebuiltHelp.com for the latest DVD titles.

© 2024   Created by Zenith.Aero.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service