Redrilling firewall blind nut tips???
 

Im looking to mount my engine into an AW Edge vertically instead of how instructed. Does anyone have any tips on how best to make sure that my markings are correct and engine sits where it should for thrust and all? Seems kind of difficult with only two hands :) Any help would be appreciated.

RE: Redrilling firewall blind nut tips???
 

Does the firewall have the center lines marked on it from the factory? If so, that will make it very easy.

Why mount it upright? On a plane like that, I'd think sideways would be the easiest, cleanest installation.

RE: Redrilling firewall blind nut tips???
 

I meant with the head pointing down. Now i get the markings on the firewall...however whats the easiest way to make your markings for the holes CORRECTLY? I have the engine mount sides mounted to the engine using small vise grips. Its difficult to hold engine up to wall...try to see if everythign lines up...make markings...GRRrrrrrr!!!! I just want to make sure i get it right.

If anyone could comment on your process of how you do this..... that would be great. Thanks!

RE: Redrilling firewall blind nut tips???
 

Chuck...ive seen your user id somewhere before...do you have an Aeroworks edge?

RE: Redrilling firewall blind nut tips???
 

remove the OLd Blind nuts if they are in. fill holes with wood dowel or hard balsa and CA , make the hole locations desired drill small guide hole then the hole dia for your nuts. go slow so you don't splinter.

Use a metal bolt and large flat washers to pull the blind nut int o place. CA to the firewall dont get any on the threads.

RE: Redrilling firewall blind nut tips???
 

if the motormount you are using is a perfect square you can just rotate it, and the thrust line will remain the same.,, Some motor mounts are perfectly square others arent, hopefully you'll get lucky

RE: Redrilling firewall blind nut tips???
 

One way that I've found helps hold things in place is to use gravity as another hand. Tip the plane so that it's tail is pointed down, then you can set the motor and mount right on the firewall and gravity will hold it in place. Of course, you need to have it low enough so that you can see everything and figuring out how to hold it might be a little tricky, depending on the plane and its size. Don't know if that might work for you but until we grow another arm, it's the easiest way to get one without having to pay for liquid refreshments for a bunch of stinky friends. :D

RE: Redrilling firewall blind nut tips???
 

Mark the mounting holes on a piece of paper.

Find center by drawing a line from corner to corner.

Put a pin in the center and rotate the paper 90 degrees.

Mark your new hole locations.

RE: Redrilling firewall blind nut tips???
 

Nope, no Aeroworks Edge. I really like the new 50cc version they are releasing though so I may end up with that.


Good idea. One reason I really like the GP adjustable mounts is that they come with a mounting template. Just place it in the center lines and mark the holes.

I also tried another method recently and I was very pleased with it. Rather than using a paper template, I made one from thin plywood. I tacked the ply template on the firewall with a couple small drops of CA. This way the template didn't move and I was able to mark the holes on the firewall very accurately. Then just pop the template off and drill the firewall to the correct size for the blind nuts or bolts. Now that I have the wood template, I just drilled a larger hole in it and hung it on the pegboard in my garage and marked what it was. If I ever use that same engine on something else, I have the template ready to go.

RE: Redrilling firewall blind nut tips???
 

Minn. and Chuck - Those are both excellent suggestions. Thank you!!!!

RE: Redrilling firewall blind nut tips???
 

that is a very good idea about the pin in middle - sometimes the easiest answer is the one you never think of

RE: Redrilling firewall blind nut tips???
 

If there's an easy way to do something, I can usually find it.

I've spent my life devoted to getting out of doing work :D

RE: Redrilling firewall blind nut tips???
 

I recently needed to drill out a firewall for a different mount. Since the firewall has a large hole for the fuel tank top, I couldn't locate the center point on the firewall. I located the original mount on a piece of ply, found the center and then marked the holes for the new one from there. I fastened the plywood to the firewall with two of the original holes and drilled out the new ones.