February 7, 2008 - Prime & Cleco Baffles

 I got off work a little early, and decided to take advantage of the unusually balmy February weather -- 50 degrees -- to do some priming.  I prepped and washed all my baffle parts, as well as the cowl support strips and empennage lower fairings.  I was amazed at how many pieces I had.

I had just ordered three new cans of MarHyde self-etching primer. 

 Then I clecoed everything together.  This is the #4 baffle section. 

I considered riveting the section together, but decided to wait until after I trial-fit it to the engine.  I'd hate to have to drill out all the rivets on it.  I'd really hate to have to buy new stock and edge-smooth it all again!

 From another angle.

Builders who had the older baffle kits said they were a real challenge, primarily because of the poor or non-existent drawings and instructions.  It was tough to figure out what went where. 

Knock on wood, but so far the baffles have been a piece of cake.  A lot of edge-smoothing, to be sure, but that's it.  The drawings/instructions and pre-drilled stock so far have been outstanding.  I'm sure there will be a lot of back and forth when I fit the baffles to the top cowl.