Mr Charles
Well Known Member
I am in the process of upgrading my beloved 4, (not original builder), and am replacing my original poly cowl with the epoxy based one. As my original lower cowl to fuselage piano hinges had a few broken eyes, decided to go for all new piano hinges. I have researched many, many threads and have gained much knowledge. However, I can't seem to find much on offsetting the hinges and so would like some feedback.
My understanding is offsetting hides the eyelets for a cleaner look, and possibly improves strength. I reworked my old poly cowl some time ago, and offset the horizontal hinges, and felt like it helped with installation alignment...especially single person.
First, on the lower cowl to fuselage...I bought some MS20001-6 extruded (2" overall, 3/4" legs, .051 thick, .090 pin. Is this good for lower attachment? How much should I offset them? Assuming I should?
Second, on the cowl to upper fuselage...my thoughts here are that the extruded maybe not the best for the curve? Use SST? Is the increased strength of the extruded necessary at this location? I have read posts on relieving the eyelets, tapering the pin etc. for the SST. Assuming all this will work on the extruded the same?
Should I offset this hinge also? and if so how much? (With either the extruded or the SST)
And last, the horizontal cowl split...is extruded worth the extra cost? How much should I offset?
Would like to hear what others have done and any recommendations, Pros and Cons, thoughts or opinions...
Mr Charles
My understanding is offsetting hides the eyelets for a cleaner look, and possibly improves strength. I reworked my old poly cowl some time ago, and offset the horizontal hinges, and felt like it helped with installation alignment...especially single person.
First, on the lower cowl to fuselage...I bought some MS20001-6 extruded (2" overall, 3/4" legs, .051 thick, .090 pin. Is this good for lower attachment? How much should I offset them? Assuming I should?
Second, on the cowl to upper fuselage...my thoughts here are that the extruded maybe not the best for the curve? Use SST? Is the increased strength of the extruded necessary at this location? I have read posts on relieving the eyelets, tapering the pin etc. for the SST. Assuming all this will work on the extruded the same?
Should I offset this hinge also? and if so how much? (With either the extruded or the SST)
And last, the horizontal cowl split...is extruded worth the extra cost? How much should I offset?
Would like to hear what others have done and any recommendations, Pros and Cons, thoughts or opinions...
Mr Charles