Scott's RV-14 Build

Wiring Harness And Left Skin Clecoed In

I spent the first couple hours head scratching because the bulkheads and longeron holes were not matching up per the plans prior to the skin install. Finally realized it was due to the whole structure leaning back a bit due to a lack of rigidity. Another frustrating waste of time but I finally got it sorted out. There will be plenty more times like that. Then, because I'm not an electronics guru, I spent time re-reading Section 5 about electrical stuff and reviewing systems installation for the fuselage wiring harness. This wiring will eventually control anything electrical in the back of the plane like elevator trim, ELT, strobe light, autopilot servos, etc. The plan schematics were a bit vague in places on where and how the spaghetti monster of a harness was to be placed and how much cable length was needed at the terminals. Fortunately it was pre-formed with many of the end terminals completed. The harness needed to be initially installed before the left skin could be clecoed in to place. First multiple plastic grommets where installed to prevent wire chafing through hoIes. I elected to go beyond what the plans called for and temporarily zip tie the harness into place as it will be when complete. This was to prevent damage, ensure the various terminal lengths were adequate and to make sure there was no pinched wires, chafing or interference from the skin install. The skin install went pretty smoothly. I worked slowly to avoid damaging anything as its a big piece. I discovered four #6 dimples on the longerons I'd forgotten for the rear access covers. This necessitated removal of the skin, fortunately before I'd gotten too far into it to dimple the offending holes. Then I re-installed the skin and got it completely clecoed down. Overall the fit was pretty good. It considerably stiffens the overall structure.

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