Forward Baggage Compartment Installation Tip

26 Oct 2004 Forward Baggage Compartment Installation Tip

Got this from the RV8 Yahoo list:

> I have searched the archives but could not find any discussions.
> For those of you who have gone before me, please list your do’s and
> don’ts, and helpful hints on getting the forward baggage compartment
> to fit correctly.

I think the biggest “secret” on making the door fit is getting it to fit
before you rivet the back skin on. If you can raise the door and let it
drop and it closes perfectly without the back skin on you have a winner.
You will have to shrink and stretch the door formers to get that fit. Shrink
with fluting pliers (you will have to cut a notch in the flange of the
former to do this. And stretch by taking a rivet gun with small flush set
and bucking bar and whacking the former, you can also do this with a
pneumatic or hand squeezer with flush sets and a longeron yoke, also cut a
notch at this point. Go at it slow. It also helps if you have access to a
slip roll and can start the curve of the door before you rivet the formers
on.
To fit the plastic latch blocks drill pilot holes in them and put them in
position with clay. check the fit with the latch mechanism and drill the
top hole to size and through the firewall and baggage compt wall. Put the
screws in these top holes and shim the bottom of the blocks till the door
fits snug. Drill and install the bottom screws. You will have no large
hole in the firewall and a good snug door.

good luck
Paul