horizenjob wrote:
That tunnel work looks great! Someone mentioned somewhere they didn't understand the Car9 aversion to tunnels. WHat's going on is that we felt that some of the weight/framework in the tunnel, which provides strength and stiffness, could better be applied to material on the outside of the cockpit which would provide a bit more protection for passengers. So that part of the frame is now roll cage spec material.
The tunnel should provide protection from a driveshaft failure in the form of substantial hoops. Past that it's function is to prevent drafts and provide comfort and an assist for entry/egress. Tom is in the forefront of a bunch of practical details I didn't get to yet and it can be a bit painful. It passes human understanding why the last 10% takes so long...
Tom, I'm not sure where to apply this idea but it occurred to me it could be possible to make a folding handle or footstep somewhere or have a small tube ( like Chuck Yeager's broomstick handle ) that you could poke in a hole for the same purpose. Furthermore, I think we should call such a thing a "yeager-yatchet". Probably because I was working with a come-along that day in the yard...
Good to hear from you, Marcus. Agreed, the devil is in the details.
I made some progress on the tunnel cover. It still needs additional screw-down points and a little tig work on the bend relief slits. The forward edge was bent up to add panel stiffness while keeping the transmission removal path clear when the cover is removed. A couple of t@bs were added to tie-in and attach the vertical dash panel.
With the parking brake lever on the left side of the cockpit, the tunnel top will be clear except for the shift lever and possibly a couple of "convenience" rocker switches (headlight hi-low and flash.) I like the clean look and elbow room.
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So on to fabbing the tunnel sides which means figuring out the seat belt mounting system and a bunch of related stuff. Details, details...
As to the Yeager-yachet, I'll have to check with a test pilot friend of mine who served with Chuck. He might have some first hand experience.