Started fitting firewall #2 - 4 hours

Well, I'm diving into firewall #2. I quickly noticed that I cannot get clecos into the engine mount brackets due to the powder coating. So I set up the drill press and I opened the holes with an 1/8" drill bit. At least I can cleco those holes allowing my to use a #30 later.

After all the drilling was done, I could cleco all of the engine mounts to the firewall.

Next step I shaped the top of the F-601N stiffeners to next into the F-601L angle. Slow and steady makes for good work and fit.

I double checked the fitment of the F-601D and F-601N angles. Made very slight adjustments here to ensure rivet holes line up.

All done and clecoed.

Next I need to work on drilling the F-601J angles. Now this is not the most fun part and I find the process for getting it right quite tedious. I have started by using scotch tape to place the gussets and spaces that are located under the angles. Then I carefully clamp the angles on the the bulkhead checking for proper spacing (3/32" below).


Once clamped, I flip the assembly over and use the drill to start a pilot hole in the backside F-601J angles. This way I can ensure proper edge distances before I drill through. Once I am happy everything looks right, I can then complete drilling holes to 1/8" on the drill press.