TexasAirBoss

My Feedback: (22)

Generally the problem is that the air comes in and dives for the big hole in the bottom of the cowl before it ever passes over the engine. So the objective has always been to hold the airlfow up and force it to flow over the head. In the past, I have used card stock. Just trail and error and error and trial until the pattern fits, then transfer it to lite ply stock then CA it in place with baking soda or shreaded polyester fibers . Fuel proof and go.

But , is there an easier way ?

da Rock

Insulating foam works easier and quicker than anything I've used before.

Rough shaping usually gives a fit that takes just a few swipes with a sanding block to fit tight. I've even used sticky backed sandpaper inside the cowl, but it's usually not needed.

It is also great for making custom stands. Acrylic paint goes on and stays. Seldom get fuel on it. Epoxy it in and it makes the cowl more rigid as well.

Cutting it on the jigsaw or bandsaw is a trick that saves you time and produces more uniform shapes.

da Rock

BTW, I bought a 8'x10' sheet of it years back. Cut it in half with my pocket knife and carried it home in my Honda. I've still got about 1/4 of it, and that includes making a dozen of those stands (sold some at a swap meet)...