I bought the 1/4 turn fasteners sold as a kit for Lancairs from Skybolt and I am working on fitting/installing the cowling on my 360. The directions that were supplied by Skybolt are specific for the Vans series of airplanes and they speak about a 2024 T4 reinforcing strip for added stiffness. My question to all that have done this installation is first of all do I need this reinforcement? We don't get the "oil canning" typical of our aluminum friends, but with all the air loads on the cowling I am wondering if aluminum reinforcement might be a good thing. Is is overkill?

Secondly, what kind of spacing did you use along the sides of the cowling. For ease of installation/removal I have elected to use these fasteners instead of a hinge and the manual says 5" between fasteners along the sides. Skybolt, however,  says 3 1/2". I don't want any bulging along the sides but 3 1/2 " spacing seems pretty close.  What has worked well for others?

Doug Waddingham
Centennial, CO