30/01/2021 - Roll bar support install - 5h30

Now that the roll bar is finally in the level position after installing the shims, I can put in place the WD-643-SS roll bar brace.

The delivered brace is too long and needs to be cut to length. This length varies slightly with the positioning of the roll bar so it makes sense that you have to do this cutting by yourself.
I used a small screwdriver to open the gap between the F7108*B angle and F7108-A rib to insert the roll bar brace tab in between for an initial fit.

I marked a line for the minimal edge distance for the 2 AN3 bolts that will secure the roll bar brace to the F7108-B angle.

 

In the end, I also installed the top skin to make sure that the front rests nicely on the skin. Then started cutting the roll bar brace and ended up with a good fit. It's a bit tricky so be conservative at the first cut and refine as you make additional test fits.

Then clamped everything back in place, aligned the front nicely with the top skin ensuring edge distance for the AN3 bolts on the inside is still goed. Marked the hole location for the connection point at the top for the roll bar brace to roll bar.

Drilled a pilot hole. Needed to use an long drill bit to get good access. I drilled a small pilot hole on each side and then used the long drill bit to drill through both and enlarge to #30.

Then rechecked the bottom allignment for the roll brace tab and drilled the 2 #12 holes for the AN3 bolts

This came out very well and the edge distance is more than sufficient. Then I marked the cut off line for the excess material on the tab.In the picture below I'm in the process of making a rough cut.

Finally I enlarged the hole to 1/4" for the AN4 bolt

Bottom view with tab trimmed.

Some touch up primer pain now where I scratched away the previous primer coat and we'll be good to move on to the next step which is fitting the canopy to the canopy frame and drilling it.
I have to wait for that because it's winter time now and there's no way I can get up to 25°C in there. This will be the first task when spring comes.


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