My forward deck is also removable using piano hinges attached as Larry describes below. Very solid procedure. Here is a link to my forward deck "Raise That Hood". http://mywebpage.netscape.com/n886mj/hood.html
Mark Jones (N886MJ...14.7 flight hours) Wales, WI -----Original Message---- Of larry flesner Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2005 8:37 AM To: KRnet Subject: KR> Rivet question > > I am about to cut my forward deck off and install piano hinges so that I can make it removable. What kind of rivets are recommended to connect the piano hinge to the fiberglass? I prefer a rivet that has a low profile. >Steve ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ On the piano hinge for my speed brake I didn't use and rivets or fasteners other than epoxy/flox and a layer of glass. All my blind nuts on the cowl and metal surrounds inside access panels are all done with epoxy/flox also. On a piano hinge I would drill 1/8" holes, maybe 20 or 30 per foot, lay a bed of epoxy/flox and cleco or otherwise hold the hinge in place until cured. I added one layer of glass over the hinge also when floxing it in place. The epoxy/flox will "ooze" up through the holes and bond with the glass overlay. I've had my speed brake deployed at 110mph indicated on many occasions and it's still solid as a rock. As always, your results may vary !!! Larry Flesner
