Assembly order of the build

[jrohrig]

This question is targeted to those who have already built a kit. What order do you recommend assembling it? Is the manual a good order to follow? If someone has a different recommended build order than what the manual provides, please share. Thanks

[Alan_C]

Yes, the assembly manual provides a good order of assembly. One suggestion I would make, do not rivet in the cockpit aluminum panels too soon. Just drill and cleco them in place until every is done below them. That is, wait until all the brake and fuel lines are as well as the electrical harness. It is a lot easier to access and secure these items when the aluminum panels can be removed for access. When all the plumbing and wiring is done, then lay down the silicone bead and rivet the panel in place.

[Fman]

This question is targeted to those who have already built a kit. What order do you recommend assembling it? Is the manual a good order to follow? If someone has a different recommended build order than what the manual provides, please share. Thanks

I used the manual as a general guide but honestly it is mediocre at best. If you read build threads you will start to see a pattern of the sequence of what is taking place... one challenge will probably be parts. It appears there are a lot of parts not coming in on POL. This will cause you deviate from the manual and begin to work on different sections of the car with the parts you have to work with. I had to do it along with many other builders, usually you can always find something to do until more parts arrive.

[frankb]

I built FFR 8317 a couple years ago and had the same issue with back order parts that many are having now. As Fman said above, when your POL are threatening to hold you up, just move on to another part of the build. Be sure, though, that the out of order assembly will not hinder returning to a skipped assembly when the backordered parts arrive.

[Sdonnel]

First thing I did on mine after drilling all panels was to route the brake lines. Flipped the chassis up on it's side and went at it. As others have said, the manual is a good reference.

Scott

[TMartinLVNV]

The parts that you have available will determine the order of your build. Use the manual as a general guide, but you will run into stopping points because of your POL. Then start hopping around based on what you have available.