N184JP Build Log-Reconstructing foreward fuselage

Now that the forward -8A class skins and lower longerons have been removed, we are ready to go back with the new skins and longerons.

Getting the twist in the lower longerons on each end and the “flair” to the rear of each longeron was more mentally fatiguing than doing it.

Once those were done, I cleco’d the side skins on, added the firewall, and began playing with relocating everything to match the firewall and existing top longeron holes and placement.  Again, no biggy.

Next, starting with the left side, using the tabs on the side skin for reference and some pincher visegrips I drilled through the sideskin holes in a few key locations, cleco’d those, then did the rest.  Ditto for right side.

Now slip in the bottom skin, cleco’d it along the spar on each front & back row, matched up the lower longerons with the side of the bottom skin and again, drilled a few key holes, cleco’d them, then did the rest.

Done.

Next step will be to dimple as needed, prep the lower longerones (countersink as needed, prime etc).