Top Flite TOPA0220 - Manual (Page 42)

❏ 6. Drill 1/16" [1.6mm] holes in the side of the
fuselage at the marked locations. Enlarge the holes
in the cowl with a 7/64" [2.8mm] drill. Mount the cowl
to the fuselage using four #4 x 3/8" [9.5mm] sheet
metal screws and #4 washers. Remove the cowl and
harden the holes in the fuselage with a few drops of
thin CA.
❏
7. Use epoxy or thin CA to glue a 1" [25.4mm]
wide strip of glass cloth over the screw holes inside
the cowl. Thoroughly sand these areas first for a
good bond. If you use thin CA, make sure you do this
in a well ventilated area and avoid inhaling the
fumes. Avoid using accelerator.
❏ 8. Mount the cowl to the fuselage and check the
fit. Make any needed adjustments and then remove
the cowl.
❏ 9. Install the fuel filler valve on the firewall, if you
are using one, using the included die-cut 1/8"
[3.2mm] ply parts. We used a Great Planes Fuel
Filler Valve (GPMG4160).
❏ 10. Drill two 7/32" [5.6mm] holes in the firewall for the
fuel lines. Install the fuel tank in the fuselage and
connect the fuel lines to the engine and muffler. If you
have installed a fueling valve route the tank pickup line
to the fueling valve. You may need to route the fuel line
to the carburetor across the top of the engine mount to
prevent the line from being kinked.
❏ 11. Tape a strip of paper to the fuselage side. Mark
the location of the needle valve and fuel filler valve (if
installed). Slip the cowl into position behind the
paper. Transfer the marked locations to the cowl. Drill
the appropriate sized holes in the cowl at the
marked locations.
❏ 12. Using the same technique, mark the locations
for the muffler, muffler mounting screws and the glow
plug. Drill/cut the appropriate sized holes in the cowl.
Note: You may be able to reach one of the muffler
screws through the needle valve hole, depending on
which engine you are using.
❏ 13. Cut a cooling hole in the front of the cowl for
the engine. Cut an exhaust hole in the bottom of the
cowl for hot air to exit the cowl. The exhaust hole
should be at least twice the size of the cooling hole.
Note: A rotary tool with a sanding drum works well
for this.
❏ 14. Fill the seams in the cowl with Bondo or other
suitable filler. Use an expired credit card or a piece of
plastic as a spatula to apply the filler. Bend your
spatula as you apply the filler to build up a slight
mound over the seams.
-42-