----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
I have just finished converting my coupe to a 415D and replaced the panel as required. The thing that interests me is the 3" hole in the middle of it to allow the filler neck to come through. It seems to me that the hole reduces the fire protection to almost zero. I think that a better method to provide the protection that is needed would be to attach a vertical piece of SS to the top of the existing firewall that is the same shape as the gap between the firewall and the cowl. It could be riveted to the firewall and possibly have a couple screws attaching the cowl to it across the top. It sure would be easier to attach something like that then to replace the alum panel, and it would keep the fire away from the filler neck. Louie -----Original Message----- From: Ed Burkhead <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: coupers <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Monday, April 23, 2001 11:39 AM Subject: RE: [COUPERS] [COUPERS-TECH] gross weight >----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]---- > > >Larry, > >The strength of the stainless steel has nothing to do with using it on the >panel over the gas tank. During the certification testing period of the >415-C, the cowl started out a different shape, perhaps because they started >flying the plane with a different engine. > >Before the planes were put in production, the cowl was changed so the top >panel almost came to the windshield. This means the area under the top panel >is now part of the engine compartment as far as in-flight fires are >concerned. It further means that the fuselage panel over the fuel tank is >now your protection against in-flight engine compartment fires. > >Since aluminum melts at a noticeably lower temperature than stainless steel, >all parts of the firewall must be stainless steel. > >Well, the CAA failed to catch the cowling change and the new need for the >panel over the fuel tank to be stainless steel. They chose NOT to require >retrofit. When they allowed a new model, the D, they DID require that panel >to be stainless steel. If we convert a plane from a C to a D model, we must >conform to the requirements of that model as specified by the bureaucrat >with the power. (It does NOT seem to me this is an improper use of power.) > >Strength has nothing to do with it. Melting point does. > >Ed Burkhead >N3802H, Ercoupe 415-D >Peoria, IL > > >-----Original Message----- >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] >Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2001 1:33 PM >To: Coupers Tech >Subject: Re: [COUPERS-TECH] gross weight > >----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any >advice in this forum.]---- > >All of the panels, be they aluminum or SS, become structural members once >they are riveted into place. >Thus, the replacement of the aluminum, with Stainless Steel, you have >effectively strengthened that area >of the Coupe. It would appear to me that that is an area they have >identified that needs strengthening >if you are to carry heavier gross weight. > >Larry > >[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > >> ----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any >advice in this forum.]---- >> >> How does installing a stainless panel on the top foreward fuselage >> relate to allowing increased gross weight? The other mods make sense >> but the panel doesn't. Converting from a C to D or above should be >> aproved without the stainless panel. >> >> --------------------------------- >> to unsubscribe send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] >> > > >--------------------------------- >to unsubscribe send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > > > > >__________________________________________________ >To unsubscribe from this list please send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > > __________________________________________________ To unsubscribe from this list please send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ==^================================================================ EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiLm.aVzvvT Or send an email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This email was sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Learn More. Surf Less. Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Topics You Choose. http://www.topica.com/partner/tag01 ==^================================================================
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