Well, I finally took some time to work on the Edge. As suggested in the instruction manual I started with the engine and cowl installation.

I drilled and tapped for 8-32 bolts the Great Planes 1.20-1.60 mount to fit my Evolution 26-GT and allowed for a 1/8" clearance between the cowl and the spinner backplate (Photo 1). With the cowl attached in position with some small sheet metal screws I set and adjusted the engine (without the carb mounted) so the backplate was centered in the cowl. The engine was temporarily bolted with a couple of 10-32 bolts to the engine box. I used plastic templates (the kind used to make quilting templates) to transfer the location of the engine head and then cut the hole in the cowl (Photo2).

I epoxied a couple of 1/2" square hardwood pieces right in front of the second former to increase the wood thickness behind the engine box sides. I drill and tapped for 8-32 nylon machine binder head bolts right were the previous sheet metal screws were positioned. I use #60 O-Rings as washers for these bolts to prevent the bolts from turning loose and/or cracking the cowl (Photo 3). I have used this setup before and it works great with the added advantage that they can be dyed with Ritz fabric dye to match the cowl color.

After the cowl was set in its final position I installed the carburetor and freehand cut the clearance hole. (Photo 4).

Next I am going to reinforce the rear of the firewall, were the engine mounts go with 5/32" Lite Ply. I am going to use 10-32 bolts with nylon lock nuts on the inside for the engine mount and want to make sure there is enough strength so the washers will not rip through the firewall.