6/21/2008
I have finally come around to covering the big rear stick opening behind the front seat. I used construction paper to make a prototype and then cut a sheet of aluminum slightly oversize. I made the cutout for the stick using a saber saw and the one for the vent using a fly wheel cutter. I made the bend in the back first (using my $35 Harbor Freight Brake) since it does not have to be 100% accurate. I trail fit everything again, took some measurements and did the other two bends. I then drilled out four rivets in the floor, match drilled the cover using a hole finder and then installed nut plates on the floor. After fixing the back into position and using tape for the front I drilled four holes in the front and installed nut plates.
I ordered a new vent from Vans. I cut off two mounting holes on the previous one since they were not being used. I also think I am going to make a boot out of leftover Cordura I used for the seats.
Today Christine and I went to Galveston. The FBO there is the friendliest I have ever been to. When we landed they drove up in a golf cart with water and a snack. Then they drove us to the Moody Gardens Hotel even though it is a short walk away. Our plan was to eat lunch and visit the Lone Start Flight Museum but we decided to skip the museum and leave early because of thunderstorms that were moving in.