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removing top avionics bay

HansLab

Well Known Member
All, trying to move the top of the avionics bay wasn't simple today: the canopy blocked two screws on each side. Couldn't t get to it with a screwdriver. How do you guys cope - besides removing the whole canopy?
(must be said that I have a one-piece panel, so removing parts of the panel is no option)
 
Hans, I had the same issue, so removed some fiberglass to get access to those hidden screws. See if you can access these photos. To remove the minimal amount of material, I inserted the maximum size drill bit, from the inside of the avionics bay, that would go through the #8 nut plate and created a hole that I enlarged enough to expose the screw head. Not a work of art, but much better than having to remove the canopy.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wa7y3wglxeoyth9/19-06-11 03.JPG?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ab4d2b29c5ysixk/19-06-11 04.JPG?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/tuniaa6kvv6azrb/19-06-11 05.JPG?dl=0
 
As Joe said. Depending on your canopy fairing design there might be minimal clearance to remove one screw (each side) in the canopy closed position. The other screw you also need to remove in the canopy closed pos. is not a concern.
 
If the canopy arms are trimmed according to plans you should see 2 exposed screws along the bottom edge of the avionics bay cover:
i-3bwrZ8K.png

i-rf9L9h8.png


You can remove these 2 screws with the canopy closed. Then with it open you can get to the rest of the screws and easily remove the avionics cover.
i-46TjnGn.png


I have seen some builders shape the canopy in a more pleasing design and subsequently been unable to remove the avionics cover without removing the canopy. The 12iS may be different. I see the factory 12iS canopy arms cover one of the screws. I wonder how they get the avionics cover off?
i-SsQkQGt-M.png
 
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I have the same issue because I extended the fiberglass canopy trim to cover the cavity where the canopy bolts attach. If done exactly as shown in the plans you will have access, but I opted for a more finished look at the expense of easy access for maintenance. I have to remove my canopy to get avionics bay access.
 
Hans, I had the same issue, so removed some fiberglass to get access to those hidden screws. See if you can access these photos. To remove the minimal amount of material, I inserted the maximum size drill bit, from the inside of the avionics bay, that would go through the #8 nut plate and created a hole that I enlarged enough to expose the screw head. Not a work of art, but much better than having to remove the canopy.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wa7y3wglxeoyth9/19-06-11 03.JPG?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ab4d2b29c5ysixk/19-06-11 04.JPG?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/tuniaa6kvv6azrb/19-06-11 05.JPG?dl=0
Second that Bob, but I have to go through this as well, for every time I want to peek into the avionics bay having to remove the canopy isn't much fun either. I'll use your solution - tx for the pics.
 
I see the factory 12iS canopy arms cover one of the screws. I wonder how they get the avionics cover off?
i-SsQkQGt-M.png

The RV-12 has evolved over time.....

When first introduced, there was close to zero access into the fwd avionics area via openings in the instrument panel (the D-180 had a closed tray it installed in).

As the panel in the airplane has evolved, that access has increased.
With the latest (12iS) version, the access provided by the easy removal of the EFIS screen(s) and the center panel, it is rare that the fwd top skin would need to be removed.
On the rare occasion it does, removal of the canopy first is required.
 
For that one screw on each side that is blocked by the canopy, I use this:

Neiko 03044A Mini Ratcheting Offset Screwdriver and Bit Set, Pocket Size Close-Quarters ,1/4-Inch Drive
by Amazon.com
Learn more: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000XYOUS6/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_8fdZDb8YAX4V5

With the canopy up, the above tool with a #2 Philips bit can be slid into place and the screw removed fairly easily.

But I do agree, for inspections, there's really no need to remove the cover, just pull the PFD/MFD and you see everything; I do use a lighted inspection mirror.
 
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