Originally posted by TrickyT
Should I reinforce the firewall? If so, how?
On my first one (Saito .72 powered) I drilled a series of .050" holes through the fuselage side into the firewall. I then pinned the firewall in place with toothpicks and thin CA. On my current one (YS .63 powered) I peeled back the covering around the nose, added a few strips of pantyhose with extra-thin finishing epoxy, the reapplied the covering. More work than just pinning the firewall in place, but this distributes the load a bit more evenly.
If I don't use the stock tank(I am using a low profile sullivan 11 oz.) what is the best way to seal the hole in the firewall around the fuel lines?
12oz. standard Sullivan tank in mine. I have left the hole in the firewall open with no ill effect (plus it makes a cool howl when the plane is at speed
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Should I go ahead and purchase the nylon motor mount?
Up to you. I used the supplied mount on my first Stick with no problems. On my current one I switched to a GP adjustable mount which helped in balancing the slightly heavier YS engine versus the lightweight Saito.
Did anyone cross the cable guides going back to the rudder and elevator to create less friction for the metal pushrods? Install the servos in the tail? Use nylon screws in the gear mount?
No, no and yes.
I had the gear plate pop out on my first one when my Saito backfired during a full-throttle full-flap takeoff... replaced the supplied blind nuts and bolts with 1/4-20 hardware. Overkill, but I had them on hand.
Also, any other thoughts, suggestions, or ideas would be greatly appreciated!
It's a good idea to pin the horizontal stab in place, as the tail does take a beating if you fly from an inimproved surface. A couple of toothpicks at the LE adds a lot of strength and very little weight.
Replace the stock wheels in the kit with Sullivan lightweight 3" or 3.5" ones. Just a little extra ground clearance for 13"-14" props.
If your Stick comes out nose-heavy, don't add weight! Cut a hole in the top rear sheeting and velcro your battery pack back there. CA some sticks in place to keep it from shifting, then cover the hole with a bit of white Ultracote. I've done this on my Sticks and the battery has not moved.