![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.simpits.org\/geneb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/12\/forward-deck-support-parts.jpg\" "\\"forward")
<\/a><\/p>\nThere are two of these support assemblies.\u00a0 Each one is made of two side ribs with “expanded” stringer notches, a single cross-piece and two doubler plates.\u00a0 It’s assembled with six #10-24 screws on each side and the screws go into #10 T-nuts.\u00a0 I’ll be making the drawings for these parts available to those that have purchased the project CD.<\/p>\n
The deck itself is made of two pieces.\u00a0 Each one is notched to accommodate the center rib as you can see in the photo.\u00a0 The deck itself is just slightly higher than the instrument panel and a stiffening brace can be installed between the panel and the deck support if you feel the need.<\/p>\n The grip I’m using for this cockpit is a rebuilt Suncom SFS F-15 Eagle grip.\u00a0 In order to mount it to the 3\/4″ EMT mounting post in the SFS box, I needed to attach a 3\/4″ female EMT pipe fitting to the grip base.<\/p>\n I used a “steel epoxy” called JB Weld to ensure that the joint would be secure.\u00a0 The fitting is mounted in the outside half of the grip.\u00a0 By attaching it to half of the grip, I’ll be able to tear the grip down for maintenance if needed.<\/p>\n I was also able to get the edge-lit panel machined for the left sub-panel in the cockpit.\u00a0 Here’s a picture of it right off the ‘bot:<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n