Finished the F-713 Longeron and started F-719 Stiffener - 8 hours

Feeling confident to proceed. I first put a twist in the longerons to ensure proper fit. Next I started to drill the F-713 Longeron to the lower engine bracket/weldment. I started by just using the drill bit to make the initial mark into the steel bracket.

I could then remove the whole firewall and then get a good look at how my edge distances were going to end up. A tedious process but I can make absolute sure the the holes were going to be correct.




Once I had the first (and most critical hole dialed in) I then finished drilling it. Using the palm drill I’m able to adjust slightly where I want the hole to be.Then I re assembled and then drilled the rest of the holes in place. I’m extremely happy how these turned out.


Next I started by fabricating the F-719B Angle clips. I drilled the holes first to ensure proper edge distances, however I didn’t realize that most people don’t drill the holes yet due to difficulties on how to drill these to the firewall. Oh well....let see how this goes.

Took me a while to shape them cause they heat up so quick on the sanding station.

I then started on the F-719 stiffeners. I wanted to trim the aft end to the F-704 center section similar to the F-713 Longeron but I managed to figure it out. In the end I don’t think it’s necessary but I want to do it. I left the stiffener long and just scalloped the forward end to fit the firewall. Again not necessary but its just an extra step I don’t mind taking


Can you tell Mike Patey is inspiring me to work on the little details!

Next step is the tough part....how on earth am I going to drill the F-719B clips to the stiffeners..I’m going to have to think on this a bit.