Finishing the brake master cylinder install and fixed center tunnel cover - 4 hours

 I moved onto finishing the installation of the Grove Brake master cylinders now that I have all the right size mounting hardware. Here is a view of the washer arrangement at the top. Took a couple of tries to get the right combination but I am really please with it. Overall the alignment is really good.

 So I installed cotter pins and called it done for now. I want to finish the final fitting of the front fuselage before I permanently install the brakes/rudder pedals. 

 With more time available to work I decided to strip the paint down on the sides of the centre tunnel since the fit is so tight with the final paint on the sides. I marked the edges where the center cover contacts the floor stiffeners. I masked off the part and ground down the metal/paint. With a couple wipes of acetone, I primed the bare metal with self-etch primer. The fit is so much better and not so tight.

 

Installing the F-789 Elevator Pushrod - 2 hours

 In order to install the F-789 elevator pushrod. The threaded ends are not installed and it slips in easily when inserted first through the F-705 bulkhead. 

Unfortunately many report that the control rod interferes with the F-705/F-705B bulkhead and center section bar and mine is no different. The interference is relatively slight…Maybe a 1/16” at most. Before I start sanding and filing I’ll give Vans Tech Support a call in the week and double check that I’m ok to trim the bulkhead down.