Chefsonora
Advanced Member
Has anyone tried incorporating embedded mounts into their build? I'm trying to incorporate roof rack and side mounting points into my build, utilizing the existing framework that will be skinned over with PMF. My concept is to router grooves into the laminated plywood ribs and stringers. Then using strips of aluminum stock predrill holes through the t-track and aluminum strips. In the holes drilled adding rivnuts(with larger relief holes drilled into the wooden framework). After these holes are set and fit well, bedding them into a generous filling of thickened epoxy. I also added some larger rivnuts in 3 spots that are tied in with through bolts from the underside of the stringers, that will have a corresponding mounting strip on the inside of the cabin. My idea is to be able to disperse the load of the roof rack and be able to keep it low profile under the skin.
The longitudinal roof rack will be some t-track extrusion that I cut down and will be embedding in a strip of beautiful CVG fir that I picked out. Same set up with a groove in the wood, thickened epoxy. This will attach to the rivnuts through the matching holes and a strip of butyl tape and PMF skin to suck it up tight. Lateral ribs for the roof rack will be the same epoxy embedding, but I'll shape the ribs into an airfoil with a rounded leading edge and thinner in the rear.
Probably overkill, but I envision an aesthetically pleasing and sturdy result.
The longitudinal roof rack will be some t-track extrusion that I cut down and will be embedding in a strip of beautiful CVG fir that I picked out. Same set up with a groove in the wood, thickened epoxy. This will attach to the rivnuts through the matching holes and a strip of butyl tape and PMF skin to suck it up tight. Lateral ribs for the roof rack will be the same epoxy embedding, but I'll shape the ribs into an airfoil with a rounded leading edge and thinner in the rear.
Probably overkill, but I envision an aesthetically pleasing and sturdy result.
