Center Tunnel, Part III
Three ribs were added. The forward rib butts against the front tunnel opening and effectively seals it from the engine area. The aft rib sets about a fourth of the length from the rear. The third rib was roughly centered between the other two ribs forward of the shifter opening.
Quarter inch thick Last-A-Foam was used to form the ribs which were covered with a layer of glass on both sides. The edges were filled with West epoxy mixed with 406 Colloidal Silica. Once dry they were glued in place with the same material and a bit of a fairing added to the joint for more strength.
The tunnel cover extends below the sides of the tunnel and forward of the top of the tunnel by about an inch so screws can be placed for a solid connection. However, we wanted to assure it would be robust and solid, so quarter inch square strips were added on each side using West Epoxy mixed with 406 Colloidal Adhesive to secure them in place. These strips will transfer whatever weight is placed on the tunnel to the top of the aluminum tunnel walls.
Two more layers of fiberglass were added for a total of five layers.
More to do . . . .
Three ribs were added. The forward rib butts against the front tunnel opening and effectively seals it from the engine area. The aft rib sets about a fourth of the length from the rear. The third rib was roughly centered between the other two ribs forward of the shifter opening.
Quarter inch thick Last-A-Foam was used to form the ribs which were covered with a layer of glass on both sides. The edges were filled with West epoxy mixed with 406 Colloidal Silica. Once dry they were glued in place with the same material and a bit of a fairing added to the joint for more strength.
The tunnel cover extends below the sides of the tunnel and forward of the top of the tunnel by about an inch so screws can be placed for a solid connection. However, we wanted to assure it would be robust and solid, so quarter inch square strips were added on each side using West Epoxy mixed with 406 Colloidal Adhesive to secure them in place. These strips will transfer whatever weight is placed on the tunnel to the top of the aluminum tunnel walls.
Two more layers of fiberglass were added for a total of five layers.
More to do . . . .