The first job today was to install nutplates on the tabs installed yesterday to support the battery and relays. Then the firewall was fitted to the fuselage and the fuel tank installed to allow the other components to be located. The auxiliary fuel pump was located between the tank and the gascolator ensuring that the connecting tubing descended over it's complete length. The tubing sections are 3/8" soft aluminium with standard 37 degree ends manufactured to connect them. The fuel pump is mounted on rubber isolating bushes to reduce noise. Supporting tabs for the fuel pump will be on the agenda for tomorrow. Next a stiffening panel made out of 0.063" thick 2024-T3 aluminium was riveted to the firewall to support the brake reservoir. A 2" hole was drilled for the cabin hot air inlet and the air selector screwed to the firewall - this will eventually be sealed in place with firewall cement. A 7/8" hole was drilled in the firewall to take the vacuum regulator, again a support tab is needed for this. Finally a bracket was fabricated to support the vacuum filter. This also needs welding to the fuselage structure.
