Zach Chase (Fibertech Composites) builds a really nice piece that mounts to the ceiling of the Sportsman that allows for a nice spot to mount headset jacks, or whatever is needed. I purchased almost all of Zach's stuff in 2021.
The Overhead Console is a molded fiberglass piece that mounts around all the various tubes - however, the cutouts are marked, but not cut due to many variations in the build.
After initial cuts and fitting, it is roughly in place.
A bit more tweaking, and it is 'loose' in place. Next step is to drilling and fitting the aluminum inserts.
At first I was not going to bother cutting these open right away.... but if you don't, you have no way to gently pull the console cover away from the tabs after it has cured...
The composite L brackets come pre done from Zach, and with hardware. Just need to mate them up...
Roof sanded, adhesive applied, and console clamped in place.
Once cured, take the clamps off and remote the screws. This is were I screwed up.... Zach's instructions say to cover the console cover around the tabs with packing tape. I didn't, just used painters tape. Bad idea. If I was doing this again I would use packing tape, and then put a bit of wax on the inside. You probably know where this is going...
Of the 6 tabs, 5 released cleanly (reaching up through the openings and popping the cover off the tab). One did not...
Time to do some composite repair...
Repair finished, console painted. Test fit of 'stuff'.
With the aluminum plates wrapped in vinyl
Drilled, fasteners installed, and temporarily mounted in the aircraft.
Need to do a bit of touch up on the roof, and route the cable back to the tail. Other than that, this one is DONE.
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