The manual calls for the header tank to be bonded to the forward deck before
attaching the forward deck.  Whereas this makes sense when using the
non-removable attachment method, it seems it would be easier to install the
hinges before bonding the header tank when using the hinge attachment
method.  Did anybody install the attachment hardware before attaching the
header tank?  Any pitfalls or words of wisdom?

 

Gary,

 

I did indeed install the forward deck attachment hinges before bonding in the header tank.  With clecoes holding the deck skin in place, a frame was bondoed to the skin, much like the canopy construction method, to hold the shape of the deck skin while the hinges were built.  The tank was trimmed, new flanges built on the tank, and finally, the tank was bonded and glassed to the deck skin.  The frame was knocked off and work proceeded with the canopy alignment, etc.