Tom,

 

You mentioned mounting as much of this stuff before you bond on the top.  I didn't create a huge problem for myself, but be careful mounting various components in your rear fuselage when it's still a "canoe".  You'll have to inspect and service those components after the top is on.  The ES is nose heavy so we all have just about anything that's heavy in the back end.  So changing ELT batteries, regular batteries and other things requires some interesting body contortions.  It makes sense to check access with the top clecoed in place.

 

Same thing can happen if you install your instrument panel before the top.

 

Mike Easley

Colorado Springs