Sunday, March 14, 2021

Installing the Almost a 14 mod - 8 hours

 I need to install the F-760 side panels on the flap actuator assembly. Its simple enough to install but I notice that I have a slight bow on one of the panels and it doesn't want to sit nice and flush.


I tried to adjust the fit, edge roll the edges of the piece. Finally I managed to get it to sit relatively flat without opening up any mounting holes. That was my last resort. Next I was ready to do the final drilling on the F-785A backrest channel. I clamped the assembly, then drilled. 

I am now ready to officially install the Anti-slat Almost a 14 mod for the seats. I need to cut the F-705J crosspiece out.

 
With the F-705J piece out, I took the time and opportunity to fabricate a template of the rivet pattern.


I also want to have the 1/4" hole on both sides of the endcaps to allow for pitot routing and for wiring. If you are ever looking for information on placement of this hole, you fill find it on Page 317 of the "27 Years of the RVator" From Vans. It was in an article from their build newsletter from 2006. For me, I settled on placing it in the same location as shown in the RVator, and I chose to keep equal distance between three rivets.


Once I have the hole opened up to 1/4" I can now transfer that hole accurately to the F-705D bulkhead sides and the seat mod endcaps. 


Next I was ready to drill the seat mod endcaps to the F-705D bulkhead sides. A WORD OF CAUTION HERE.... Be sure that the end caps are square and level before you drill (use a level and take measurements). I didn't and the right end cap was a little crooked. I'm sure it would have been fine but I'm choosing to replace it. 

First you want to clamp the end caps into place. Make sure that you have a good fit, and the end caps sit level and are square. Using the 90 deg drill, or a drill with a long bit, locate at least one rivet hole and drill to #30.


You can now use the template and drill all remaining rivet holes as well as the 1/4" pitot/wiring hole in the endcaps.

Next I need to cut down the F-760 covers as they interfere with the new center cover. I cut the corners off at 45deg.


 I then slipped the center cover over the flap actuator assembly and noticed the fit wasn't that great. The front mounting holes align, but the side mounting holes do not.


Once I remove the F-767 attach plate, the fit is much better. I have to file a bit off the top of the F-766A channel to get a nice tight fit, but it will work. All I need to do is fabricate a new F-767 attach plate to accommodate the new center cover.

Next I notice that the aft stainless mounting plate doesn't quite fit with the F-785A backrest channel. I have two options...get a new channel, or fabricate a spacer. I think ill do both....I need a new channel as the original mounting holes I drilled are soo close to the new mounting holes for the mounting plate. Also, re-drilling the sides of the channel so that it sits flush without the spacer would mean that the backrest channel sits at quite an angle which I think would be ugly.  


Here it is with everything temporarily set in place.