Floorboards and Center Console.

[Pushboy]

I’ve been working on the floorboards and center console and sides.

I have seen that some people install the lip of the console sides under the floor, and some install them like the manual indicates on top of the floor.

Is this just a personal preference thing, or is there an advantage of one way over the other?

Dave.


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[Redline]

We went over the floorboard so the console sides could be removed without removing the floor. Makes inspection of the items in the console much easier (fuel lines, rudder cables, etc).

[Dave S]

I believe the build manual shows the console sides on top of the floorboards.

IMHO - the factory manual configuration makes servicing/inspection easier. After flying and inspecting our plane for a few years now - I am in favor of engineering in favor of serviceability.

Your mileage may vary. Your call.

[jiott]

I'm with Dave and Redline, servicing the console which has a lot more "stuff" in it than under the floorboards is much easier with the side flanges on top. The carpet covers it all up so cosmetics is not an issue.

[Pushboy]

Thanks for the replies. Good points about the service inspection aspect. I think I’ll go with ease of service— however….

My floorboards are not 100% flat— in fact because they are mirror images - one side bows up slightly and the other side bows down. This means there are small gaps under the flange of the console sides when placed on top of the floorboards. This is especially true as that flange is only held with 3 screws.

Any tips on this?

Dave.


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[Dave S]

Dave,

I think the floorboard uneveness is a matter of fit and finish. Adjustments can be made by using spacers (like washers) under the low parts of the floorboard where the screws go in. The original pan head screws may be need to be replaced with a slightly longer screw where there are spacers if that is necessary.

If you are indicating the floorboards are warped, that may require new materials that are not warped.

[jrevens]

I did mine similarly but a little different ...

[Pushboy]

I did mine similarly but a little different ...

Hi John — very cool!

Just curious what the middle screw on the bottom flange and on the angle flange screws into? Is it just the wood?

Dave


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[jrevens]

Hi John — very cool!

Just curious what the middle screw on the bottom flange and on the angle flange screws into? Is it just the wood?

Dave


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Dave,

The screws are all machine screws, and they are mated with metal T-nuts that are inserted through the bottom of the wood floor panels, and Tric-Nuts on the metal tabs. I also installed those T-nuts with a little 5 minute epoxy. The center screws give a little support to the floor panels in the middle. The bottom & rear flanges are .063" 2024-T3 extruded angle that I riveted to the thin (.016") side panels.

That's what my floor panels look like underneath the nice carpet panel kit from Kitfox (that I didn't think I would use until I saw some of them!).

BTW, the heel scuff plates are .015" stainless steel.

[Sink Rate]

Hi Dave,
I too have that little brake from Harbor Freight. With enough clamps it works quite well. I also used it for various avionic related shelves and access panels.
Indeed, you need to trim the lip at the bottom a bit to make this work. You just have to trim it back to the first bend to be flush with the front of the tube. Then do the first bend there, the second one last as shown in the picture. Happy building!
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