Cowl mounting advice

Hi everyone,

We are rapidly approaching something I have been dreading since the build began, mounting the cowl.

Our plane is a 750 Cruzer..... Engine Aeromomentum AM15.....Cowl is carbon fiber.

We are seeking any advice on how to go about mounting the cowl. I tend to like the extruded piano hinge method, but at this point we are open to any attachment method that works and holds up over time.

We have not trimmed any of the aluminum that extends forward past the firewall, nor have we trimmed any of the cowl, except around the nose gear. I can attach pics of the cowl/firewall/engine, if that helps.

Seeking the following:

- Pics of your cowling installations and attachment methods.

- How much to cut out of the bottom around the nosegear/exhaust for airflow???

- Where to trim the aluminium, flush with the firewall or ???

- What size of extruded hinge to use??? Or other fasteners???

- Should we mount some plywood to prop spacer to hold the front of the cowl temporarily???

Thanks

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jim Reese on August 12, 2020 at 4:28pm

I'll attach a couple photos of my cowl. I pretty much followed the Viking method. The top hinge is a 2" and a 1.5" split and put back together with each leaf different width. I did not trim any aluminum. They come off easily, back on--not so much. Seems solid enough.

Attachments:
Permalink Reply by Don Morrisey on August 12, 2020 at 5:21pm

Jim, did you use the smaller diameter pins?

Permalink Reply by Jim Reese on August 12, 2020 at 6:05pm

Yes, I used smaller music wire for pins and prebent them a bit to match the curve. It would very difficult to reassemble with full size pins. In addition, I ground a bit off each knuckle, so they line up easier,

Permalink Reply by Jan Eggenfellner on August 13, 2020 at 10:03am

Jim, everything is looking really nice by the way :) We have that whole kit available here where Jan even does all that and it has the undersized pins and you get the right amount needed for the job! It can be really difficult to pull out if you don't use the undersized pins.  -Alissa

Permalink Reply by Patrick Hoyt on August 14, 2020 at 9:30am

I used the original pins, but I chucked them into a drill and spun them against some Scotchbrite.  Then used ordinary white candle wax as a lubricant.

Works outstanding.  Pins slide in very easy, and are secure.

I previously had the spring loaded "Southco" fasteners.  Piano hinges are way better...

- Pat

Permalink Reply by Tim Hine on August 12, 2020 at 6:13pm

Thanks sir. Those pics are very helpful. 

Permalink Reply by Daniel Niendorff on August 12, 2020 at 6:26pm

piano hinge gives a nice clean install.  I used skybolt cloc’s on the rear cowl to fuselage attachment.  

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