Saturday, September 19, 2020

Finished the F-724 luggage bulkheads - 6 hours

 To make the new tabs/flanges for the F-724 bulkheads. I had drawn a template out and then used it to cut some aluminum pieces in 0.025" scrap. Same thickness as the bulkhead. Then I made a wooden bending template using the F-724 as a guide. The bends are at a bit of an angle.

Next I had cut off the old tab/flanges on the bulkhead and clamped the new pieces into place. I took some time to ensure a good fit. I clecoed all of the luggage panels into place to ensure everything was were it should be.

Once I verified a good fit, I was ready to drill the tabs via the bottom floor skin. The placement turned out perfect and it was apparent I can easily trim down the new tab.
Next I had marked a vertical reference line making it easier to adjust and locate the holes that I need to drill to set the proper height of the new tab.
Haha, oh dear. I solved one edge distance problem on the bulkhead to have another pop-up. Not a whole lot I can do with this one. There seems to be a few of these coming up on the fuselage lately (The top most hole in the side skin attaching to the firewall).
I drew reference lines and centre lines on the new tabs and used the rivet spacer to transfer rivet holes. (I used the spacing of the rivet line that attaches the side skin to the F-724 bulkhead).

Next, I worked on locating the hole on the top tab of the bulkhead. Not much material to work with here. Edge distances are met. I used the dimensions noted in the plans. I've heard other builders have used an AN3 rivet here instead of the AN4 rivet just to minimize any edge distance problems. I figure why not...I can always drill it out and go to a larger hole/rivet down the road if needed.
I clecoed the assembly back in place, got things lined up and used the 90deg drill to finish the #30 holes into the bulkhead.