Gear fairings, Air outlet lip, Painting prep

Gear fairings

I riveted two nut-plates to each fairing, and then riveted the front of the fairings to get to form one continuous fairing that wraps around the gear leg.

Air outlet lip

I added nut-plates to the small fibreglass lip so it can be attached and removed from the lower engine cowling. My plan is to commence test flying like this, and refine it once I know how the cooling is working. There are several options available. I’ve made quite a large opening of about 120 sq inches. If I need more cooling, then I’ll contemplate the original idea of adding NACA inlets to the cowling for the oil cooler and heater intake. This would remove them from the rear baffles. Let’s see how it goes first.

Painting prep

This afternoon I degreased all the parts to be painted, then scuffed them with a scotchbrite. Tomorrow I will etch them, and if time permits, apply the primer coat. I also cleaned the workshop and moved the fuselage to one side in preparation for masking the “paint booth”.