Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
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Seat problem...
I had the usual problem with the sliding seat issue. The pivot point interferes with the seat pan. Zen provides rubber washers but if you tighten the seat down, it will bow the seat over the pivot point. I just added a few washers to the rubber washers and the seat sits perfect on the pivot point. Makes the seat more firm to boot!
Word to the wise. The Zen plans call for 4 access holes to reach the bolts. Do yourself a favor and put one big hole in the middle and two behind the back rib. It was an absolute NIGHTMARE to bolt the rails in, especially with my big mitts!!! The nuts are right in front of the lightning hole flanges of the ribs so you can't get a socket in there and it's too small an area for a normal wrench.
I managed to get a stubby wrench in there and was able to tighten the nuts 1/8 of a turn at a time. How I managed to do this without slicing my forearm open is a small miracle! Took about 2 hours to install 8 bolts! :(
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Comment
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Comment by Mark Maltais on June 1, 2014 at 8:23am
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That seems like a great idea. Don't think I could modify that now, since I riveted the sides on through the center tunnel and the fuselage. Don't think I could get a drill in there now... :( I agree with the wasted space, seems to be a lot on this design. I put access panels in the bottom of the baggage floor. Gives access for changing things like fuel lines and brake lines. Makes no sense to have these things going places you can't check on IMHO.
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Comment by Brian Fitzpatrick on May 31, 2014 at 10:44pm
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Hi Mark: I really should keep quiet but at the risk of starting a firestorm of comments about keeping weight to a minimum I will say that I experienced all of your fun with big hands and small sharp openings in an effort to bolt the 'hot rod' rails I bought for seat adj. They were not light weight but will certainly do what they are supposed to do.
Like you, I had so much fun trying to make my fingers and wrists bend in ways that they were not meant to that I unzipped the cover over the wasted space beneath the seat area. Hinged an .080 piece of 6061 over the cavity and had no trouble bolting the rails to the storage compartment lid that supports the seat. I am not concerned about losing the rigidity in this area as the lid is hinged at one end and firmly secured at the front end with fasteners that open easily. The whole affair is so strong I moved the seat belt anchors to the seat as the factory fittings and placement was not as good as this arrangement. IMHO This adventure took several weeks of now and again effort.
The fuel pumps, filters and check valves are under the passenger seat. Drilled a 1" hole in the floor to let fuel out if a leak develops. Each pump has a dedicated feed line from the surge tank so if there is a leak, the valve to that pump can be closed. I used the best hot rod fuel lines and fittings and don't expect a leak.
I have the dual sticks but even with the central stick it would be even more difficult to get in or out without the seat moving back. This ac doesn't need an ejection seat but an injection seat would be useful. Brian
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