October 31, 2006 - Miscellaneous

I riveted the nutplates onto the end of each forward fuse rib. 
Then I screwed the panel to the ribs.  Why?  Because I could. 
I bought a #3 bit at the local hardware store and drilled each end of the side latch aluminum tube pushrod with it.  Then I tapped each end.  That was harder than I expected -- it was difficult to secure the tube so I could tap it -- but I got it done.  I temporarily put the latch mechanism together. 
The drawings called for safety-wiring the flap motor push-rod.  I didn't do it at the time because I didn't have the little jig tool.  Now I have the jig tool.  It worked great on the fuel pick-up nut I discovered right away it wouldn't work on this circular tube.

But someone had written up a technique in the Vans Air Force forums.  With a #37 bit, you start drilling a hole in the side like you normally do.  After you get the hole started, you start angling the bit.  I tried it and it worked great!  So now I one less thing to worry about.
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