Cockpit Aluminum

[PNWTim]

I am curious if anyone can confirm or deny the following:

Can this piece of aluminum (circled in yellow) be installed along with the rest of the cockpit pieces or does it have to be installed after the body is on? It appears in the manual at a late "post body installation" section but I can't really understand why. Thinking it might fall into the same category as the hatch area sides and can be installed before body placement.

220088

[Namrups]

For my build, in 2022/23, the manual called for that piece to be installed after the body was on. The "ears" of that piece tuck behind the body. I did not do it that way. I mounted that piece with the rest of the panels. When it came time to mount the body I had multiple sets of hands and we were able to position the "ears" behind the body with out issue. Not something you can do by yourself. I just felt the challenge to fit the body after those pieces were in place was going to be less than fitting those pieces after the body was on. Paul (EdwardB) followed the manual so I would suggest getting his input as well.

[PNWTim]

Thanks Scott. I appreciate the feedback. It seems like it can be done and I will have several hands as needed so we'll see.

[wedel456]

Thanks Scott. I appreciate the feedback. It seems like it can be done and I will have several hands as needed so we'll see.

I would be VERY careful going down this path. Thomas @ Oak Hallow Garage (and others) have documented the problems going down this path. See this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PwDW912Htg

I am installing my body without them on and would recommend you doing the same.

[edwardb]

I recommend installing the body first. Two reasons: First, yes, they get in the way and have to be bent (aka massaged) to get the body on. Especially concerning if you're installing the painted body. Second, until you have the body in place, the exact location isn't exactly clear. That's my two cents worth and experience.

[PNWTim]

OK guys, thanks for sharing. I am going to sit tight on this for now. I have a call with Ken Pike this week to discuss the details of his process and this was going to be one of my questions but it sounds like "off" is better.