Informational note 1

Update. I got my 337 approved today for the upgrade. Now the open question is how to change the model number in the faa records. The fsdo is pointing me to a dar so I've contacted him for the next paperwork step. As is usually the case, it seems the wrenching part is going to be much easier then the pencil part. I keep everyone updated. For something that has been done presumably many times in the last 70 years, it seems to be a state secret.

You do not rivet a new panel over the old panel, it has to be drilled off and the new one fitted and rivetted in place, and must be done by a A&P, and the work inspected by an IA. There is more to the conversion than just the stainless steel sheet.

David,

That's kind of what I was wondering about too. Stainless to Aluminum isn't terrible for galvanic activity, but with those two sandwiched together you'll end up with a goopy film of oil/fuel/water wicking in and out between them.

Keep this thread updated I'm interested to know what you end up doing!

Also, I've got a parts plane that I'm going to remove that panel and use for a template for a new stainless sheet

I spent a bunch of time in 43.13B last night and it doesn't really cover covering of an existing panel. There seems to be a possible issue with dissimilar metals and galvanized reactions/electrolysis if you just rivet on top of each other. I'm gonna look at bonding them together and see where that takes me

I'm also interested in doing this. From what I've heard, you just rivet the new skin on top of the existing one. The new skin seems to be supplied with a hole for the nose fuel cap.

I'm guessing that it's just a case of drilling out a bunch of rivets, then match-drilling the new skin before re-riveting.

Very interested to hear from people who have don this before!