Alex's Vans RV-10 Build Log

Going forward in my build log, I will start combining sections of the build into one log entry. The reason for this is that I am no longer completing a single section before moving to the next, and there is a fair amount of jumping around between sections as I optimize use of my build time and also figure out some of the customizations and modifications that I am making. This log entry combines parts of both the firewall (27) and forward fuselage and bottom skin (28) sections. With all firewall and forward fuselage parts prepared and ready for final assembly, I got everything primed over a few days in batches. First batch of parts ready for priming Next began assembly, starting with a lot of nutplates... Nutplates attached to the tunnel scat tube support Nutplates attached to the tunnel access panel doublers Tunnel access panel doublers were then riveted to the forward ribs (tunnel sides) Nutplates attached to the forward ribs Nutplates also attached to the outside of the forward ribs....

Riveting of the mid and aft bottom skins to the mid fuse and baggage area ribs continued steadily with my daughter's help on the rivet gun. The only tight areas were at the forward end of the mid fuse between the outboard seat ribs, but I carefully maneuvered the bucking bars to successfully set all rivets with only a couple that had to be drilled out and redone to meet the required shop head shape and dimensions. Making progress on the forward bottom skin. This was very strightforward with a helper. Left COM antenna doubler riveted to the skin and rib flange Same for the right COM antenna. No issues riveting these. Right COM antenna doubler from inside, between the rear seat ribs Left COM antenna doubler To reach the rivets along the flange of the F-1016 outboard seat ribs, I used the long elevator bucking bar. This made easy work of the rivets without having to reach inside the tight space (which I would have had to do had I used a shorter bar) To set the rivets along the flange ...

Another modification I am making in the firewall area of my RV-10 is upgrading to a larger oil cooler ( Airflow Systems 2007X vs. the recommended 2006X ). Running SDS EFI and cold air induction on my engine, along with my home base being in warmer climates within CA, I wanted to ensure that I have adequate cooling available as needed. The downside of this is that the 2007X oil cooler is taller than the 2006X cooler (due to an additional 2 rows of cooling fins). It therefore won't fit the stock Van's cooler mount as is, and I need to modify the mounting bracket to accommodate the bolt locations on the larger oil cooler. This modification has been done by numerous other builders, and mine is no different. The lower bolt holes on the stock mount remain where they are. In order to space the top and bottom bolts further apart I have to remove the top row of predrilled bolt holes, and drill new bolt holes into a piece of 1/16" thick angle that will be attached to the top of the ...