how to cut cowling for wing plates?

[quicklt1]

any pics out there trying to figure out how best to cut lower cowling on late 90's 2.5 for wing plates for tie-bar??

[toddb]

I used my bandsaw, worked great, if youhave one or know someone who does

[quicklt1]

Any pics??

[toddb]

no, sorry, just the end result, and not even a good close up.292231

[quicklt1]

Is bottom cut off or slotted and did it change pee hole

[jpf091959]

When I cut my cowlings I used a cutoff wheel and only cut a slot. I didn't cutoff the bottom few inches of the cowl. I then inserted a helicoil into the mid section and for a finished secure look when installed.

This has worked out good, the engines are 2010 300xs and I have had no issues with the cowls.

292262

[toddb]

I just cut the bottom right off, my new motor had a previous wing plate on it that mounted at a different height, it was slotted, and they had a plate with a couple screws to hold the lower pan pieces from flapping in the breeze, so I had no choice, it looks fine though, you can see the mounting studs, but its like rugged looking. does not affect the pee hole.

[tux974]

IMO, Use a couple of layers of paper tape to protect it from chipping or in case you slip and I would also use something you can adjust speed so you do not get a melting plastic situation, GL.

[vnemous]

I think todd is talking about a 3.0. Listen to Tony. Tape it off take some measurements and just slot it. Go slow with whatever u use or it will melt back together.

[toddb]

that's correct, it is a 3.0

[4Speed]

When I cut holes in a cowling for air vents I taped off the area and drew my cut lines on the tape and drilled a small hole through the cowl at each angle then connected the dots (holes) with a jig saw. The night before I did the cutting I siliconed at old piece of carpet to the bottom of the saw so as to reduce any chance of scratching the cowl by vibration through the tape. When done I just pilled the carpet off the saw. I think I used a metal blade.

[Turborr]

I used a dremel with a cut off wheel on my 300xs.

[toddb]

its all good, whatever works, best option is a mini grinder with cut off wheel if you got one!

[quicklt1]

Ok now before I cut does any one have any pics it's a 2.5 , 2-pieces stock lower cowl....

[tony97gt]

I'm sure you're referring to the Skirt, not actually the cowl. I can get you pics tomorrow. I have twin 280's with latham steering and tie bar setup. Just remember to make them opposing, not the same cuts. Would suck to forget that and cut two left sides or two rights, lol.:eek:

[quicklt1]

Yes skirt (2 pieces)...similar to yours..thanks

[tony97gt]

No prob. Get off work at 6am so I'll get the pics today.

[tux974]

Tony I think he has different cowling not the HP ones with the separate skirts. I think his pan and skirts are one piece split down the middle, stock 200 fiberglass ones.
Quick1, hard to tell where to cut! You need to get the plates mounted get some good measurements. Remember to measure 2X and cut once! ;):D

[ghost28]

When I cut my cowlings I used a cutoff wheel and only cut a slot. I didn't cutoff the bottom few inches of the cowl. I then inserted a helicoil into the mid section and for a finished secure look when installed.

This has worked out good, the engines are 2010 300xs and I have had no issues with the cowls.

292262

The heli coil is a good idea...Those lower pieces below the wingplates snap right off if there is nothing to support them....:iagree:

[simplyorange]

put the cowl on and run masking tape along the bottom edge of the cowlto mark where it stops on the mid section.
remove the cowl and install the wingplate
use a contractor square with the top lined up with the top of the tape line and measure from there to the bottom of the plate.(write down this measurement.
remove he plate and reinstall the cowl. cover the "cut area" with 2" masking tape(i use tan colored)
this lets you write on the tape without damaging the cowl.
use the square again to tranfer the measurement you recorded to the cowl.
measure up the thickness of the wingplate(1/2") and mark it again.
at this point i use yellow, green or orange masking tape to run a straight line. it is more protection and gives me a straight cut.
mow measure the plate side to side and pull 1/2 that dimension from the center both ways(i always leave this short and keep trimming until it fits)
i cut the long cuts with a die grinder and cutoff wheel, and i finish the corners with a small coned deburring bit.
after that you can trim out the edge of the cowl with the edge molding below or anything similar


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quicklt1, i know you have all of this in a text, i just put it here for others.

[quicklt1]

New problem forgot about bracket that holds lower skirts if I mount plates first then bracket I'll have gap width of plate?