As the primer was dry, it was riveting time. A lot of rivets, including twelve platenuts for each panel.



I then sealed the panels by using proseal that once dry should avoid water entering fuselage. The panels are protected by a release tape.

After a long interruption, Im' back in the workshop to try to finish the access panels. After some sanding, deburring and dimpling, I managed to prime all the parts. I will have to wait for tommorow for the assembly as the cold weather is slowing down the drying.




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As I have a few wires between the subpanel and the firewall that would be only accessible from under the panel, I decided to install two access panels on the forward skin. This modification is not on the plans but has been tested by a few builders.
The access panel being thicker than the skin I have to install a shim between the skin and the reinforcing ring. The picture shows part of the shims.



I then cut adn drill the reinforcing ring (square).



The same from the other side.



And with the panel installed.
I still have to sand, prime and rivet. I also have to finish the second panel.

I decided to change the GPS. Today, I installed the support bracket in the panel. It went smoothly as the new one has the same footprint has the old one. I also made all the connexions for the power, serial and audio.
I tested some more the harnesses and found a problem on one of may warning lights that is wired per my drawing, but the drawing needs to be changed as it is not working as I intended. I will have to change one of the switches to get it right.

I first tied down the antenna wires. Next week I will do the GPS antenna wires that got delayed due to a late hardware change.
The wiring between the subpanel and the firewall is almost done.



To be able to finish the panel installation I had some more small tasks to accomplish. For example the static and pitot tubing needed to get through the triangular bracket.



I also installed the canopy jettison handle