Once back at the shop, decided to try finishing up the map box and get it to a point where it can be powder coated along with the instrument panel covers when the time comes. The map box requires the #40 rivet holes in the lid to be countersunk for flush rivets. Prior to removing the right instrument panel cover from the map box assembly the 1/2" hole in the panel must be also drilled into the map box using a step drill.
Machine countersinking the map box lid using a
countersink cage outfitted with a #40 100 degree countersink bit.
Using a step drill to drill out the map box to
1/2" for the cam lock hardware used to secure the map box door.
The #40 holes in the right instrument panel cover also require machine countersinking as well. The construction plans also instruct the builder to machine countersink for #6 screws all the perimeter holes that will mount the panel to the instrument panel frame. At this point I’m electing not to do that because I think I will like the look of stainless steel button screws better. If that does not appeal to me, the panel can easily be countersunk later for flush screws.
Did not totally finish up on the map box parts because about the time I was countersinking the last #40 hole in the right instrument panel cover, sirens began to howl … figuring it was more likely to be a tornado warning than World War III, decided it best to take shelter as opposed to staying outside to watch the flash.
There was a small tornado that touched down, but it was many miles to the north of DOG Aviation and fortunately caused little damage … although the owners of the house missing a small chunk of their roof may disagree.
Today, the plan is for spending a few minutes finishing up the map box and then beginning the arduous task of clearing off the shelves under the work benches and packing up the shop for the long overdue move to the airport hangar on Friday.
