Writing as a suggestion to new superstar 40 owners. Reinforce the firewall.

Had read the suggestion of reinforcing the firewall on this ARF but only after I had installed the engine and gas tank. Guess now's my chance . was practicing my landings, had 2 stellar ones, maybe 6 decent and at least a couple real stinkers. Gusty winds up to maybe 10-12mph, a real challenge. Was surprised how hard it was to come in with a constant approach angle and speed, then get he flair right.

Anyways, came in too fast bounced it hard on the asphalt, spinner never touched, 2 blades of the 3 blader did, broke one, but imagine most of the force was taken by the nose wheel. Only the bottom epoxy held, breaking away the sheeting, on the other 3 sides the epoxy joint seperated. Instructor said to just epoxy it, 30min, use a toothpick, and get it back to its original place to preserve the thrust angle. NP.

Think triangle stock between the cheek and firewall would be a good idea? Possible to epoxy behind the firewall through the fual tank bay?

With that much damage the energy was going to go somewhere you know. These things aren't tanks. If you crash they will break. I wouldn't reinforce it anymore than to make sure it won't break loose under normal use.

From your picture it appears the firewall may be damaged. I would double check it. If it is sound then go right ahead. Epoxy it back in and add the triangle stock. Good luck with it.

Mark Shuman

Hey Action, Your firewall looks split in a few corners, If you can't see it
good from the tank area... Might be next to impossible to get a good
view... I'm a big chicken when it comes to the engine area.. I would cut
out the bottom sheeting some to gain better access for the job... Just
my thoughts... Oh and since your going to take your engine and mount
off.... You should try and get an even bite on the engine mounting bolts
and nuts:-)

From the damage I'd say the firewall installation is plenty strong stock. If it wasn't the firewall would have simply popped out of the fuse without taking any wood with it. (Or it would have separated the plys.)

I'd do as your instructor said and just epoxy it back as is. He could better see the damage than the pictures show us. Tri stock inside might help if it's easy access.
Dennis-

right. Guess the engery had to go somewhere and maybe the fuselage sheeting would have been a lot more busted up if the epoxy joints hadn't failed 1st. Will have it fixed tougher than new in a couple days. thanks for the sounding board