Modifying the Cooling Louvers in the Radial Cowl
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To change the cooling louvers in the fiberglass radial cowl, I had to first verify the panel lines in the cowl were scale accurate for size and position of the louvers. Next, I proceeded to use a Dremel to cut the louvers out on the panel lines, being very careful to cut as thin and straight a line as possible with the cutting wheel.
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Next I cut a couple small strips of metal and epoxied them to the two removed louvers. Once dry, I proceeded to bend the metal to proper "open angle", which I guess to be around 15 degrees. Then I added a couple layers of glassing over the strip, using thinned epoxy resin to make a good solid weld of the louver onto the cowl in the proper position.
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With the louvers securely glued in place, I double-checked the alignment and fit, then sanded everything down smooth and added a couple little false hinges to the corners.
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