Free Bird

Capt, I like what you did there. One big question though, how did get he cowl over the exhaust tubes?

FB

Capt G

My Feedback: (8)

The cowl has to be worked on over the loose muffler. There are two holes in the side of the cowl that line up with the muffler bolts and allow them to be tightened after the cowl is in place. You can work Loctite onto the bolts from the bottom. Just have to get the servo switches and ignition mounted now.

Free Bird

Now you tell me! LOL! I didn't even think to attach the muffler after installing the cowl. My exhaust tubes extend just a tad below the cowl. I'm concerned the exhaust heat will deform the dummy scoop. I'll find out either Wednesday or Thursday.

FB

Capt G

My Feedback: (8)

Took me awhile to work it out. How did your balance turn out?

Free Bird

Haven't done that yet, it'll be done tomorrow night.

FB

ronht

My Feedback: (3)

Capt G,

Where did you find the vent cover that fits so well? Looks like a great idea.

Ron

DUCATIKID

Having holes in the cowl to tighten the muffler is a good idea anyway, because it is very handy to be able to check the muffler bolts periodically for tightness.

Capt G

My Feedback: (8)

Here ya go. http://www.thunderboltrc.com/index.p...roducts_id=899

ronht

My Feedback: (3)

Thanks for the link to the vents.

Not sure I like the idea of having to remove the muffler everytime I need to take the cowl off.

Any thoughts given to cutting the muffler pipes down a bit and using silicone extension tubing to extend them after the cowl is installed? I'm using high temp silicone tubing from McMaster Carr to extend the exhaust on the pipes on my Extra 300 and it works great.

Ron

Capt G

My Feedback: (8)

Certainly another option. My friend who is using the DLE 55 RA has to use extensions on the stock muffler that comes with it.

Free Bird

A few pics....

Maiden is scheduled for tomorrow (weather permitting), still need to balance and setup the control throws.

FB

ronht

My Feedback: (3)

Looking great guys -  I'm just finishing up the wings today and am looking forward to reaching the point you're both at.

Lifer

My Feedback: (1)

Just a suggestion, but you might want to re-route your ignition cable so it doesn't touch the exhaust stack. Best of luck on your test flight, and thank you for sharing your build!

Capt G

My Feedback: (8)

Thanks for the pics. Got my pilot from Lyle and like he says - he likes to provide more pilot than you need. I had to cut him off at the knees (Bader?). He was too tall to fit on the seat pedestal so I cut it off and reinforced the area with balsa. Fits ok now.

Free Bird

I didn't bother with the floor, can't really see anything anyways. The pilot really fills up the cockpit.

FB

DUCATIKID

I alsodid some 'plastic surgery' on my pilots knees to fit him in.

Free Bird

Lifer: good catch on the ignition lead, its been rerouted.

Capt: I balanced the Spit tonight, it was a little nose heavy, but not the same experience that you had. I'm looking at maybe an ounce. I'm going to fly it like this for the first few flights. Hopefully the weather will cooperate tomorrow, looks like we're going to get heavy showers for he next few days.

FB

SWORDSN

My Feedback: (13)

I used the same mufflers on my p40 and P47. They would not stay tight no matter what I did. Finally used the stock muffler on the P47 and a Slimline pitts on the P40. Good luck,looking forward to your maiden.

ronht

My Feedback: (3)

Re: the muffler coming loose -

Clean the bolts in alcohol and let them dry, then use blue lock-tite and Permatex RTV instead of a gasket and you should no longer have any problems.

Ron

DUCATIKID

Yes i would second that, not using the gasket but rather heat resistent sealant instead is a large part of the answer to keeping the muffler tight

pacoflyer

My Feedback: (23)

FreeBird,
Do you have pic of your plug wire relocation.
I've got the same issue with a P-47/DLE55 combo I'm working on.

Thanks,
paul

Lifer

My Feedback: (1)

Not trying to hijack the thread......

Capt G

My Feedback: (8)

I routed the ign lead on the side opposite the muffler and across the top. It is zip tied to the standoff to keep it clear of contact. The "office" is ready for the pilot who is farmed out for painting.

SWORDSN

My Feedback: (13)

Tried all that and more,nothing worked for me except changing mufflers.

pacoflyer

My Feedback: (23)

I'll tell you what has worked for me...
As mentioned before clean everything up as best you can...alcohol,acetone whatever.
Then I wrap the muffler bolts with teflon tape, re install them not totally snugged down and then run the engine. After everything is warmed up, I shut down the engine and finnish tightening the muffler bolts.
I've never had one come loose doing it this way....hope it works for you.

paul