Vans' Aircraft NACA Ventilation System
This is the vent system I purchased. It costs 60$US (plus
s&h). Included are two naca vents, flange adaptors, eye ball vents
(large ones) and the tubing. There is also an instruction sheet and a
template for the NACA cutout (not shown).
Preparing for the cutout..
After I decided where to install the NACA, I made a template with 0.025"
aluminum which I clecoed at the exact location where I want to cut the
fuselage skin.
What we don't see on the picture is that I drilled the corner holes with
1/4" radius before installing that template. (we would see this from the
other side)
Notice that this location is the only one where the Vans' NACA will fit
easilly.
... and cutting it
I use a knife to follow the contour of my template. I make several (or should
I say many) cuts until I fee it's going to be easy to break by folding the
skin.
Oh... how beautiful is this?
After the cutting is done, I drilled a large hole and then used the scissors
to divide the area between the holes. Then it is easy to
fold the sides one by one to break the skins.
I don't know if my explanation is clear... but it works.
A picture from inside
You can see my cutting marks following the contour of the NACA opening.
And, the result!
Nice cut hey?
Vans' NACA installed The tube will attach there and connect to the flange adapter of the eye
ball.
The two sides done
I'm quite happy with this installation!
Those little washers
These washers are quite practical. I purchased them from Aircraft
Spruce. They are already drilled to #30 size and are useful for riveting
any plastic or fiberglass parts to the structure.
Vent installation completed
The outlets are on the instrument panel on each side.
Cabin Heating by Ford
The heater core comes from a Ford Festiva 19something. The surface is
approx 5.5" by 6" and it is made of aluminum
Another shot at it
The ventilator comes from an electronic surplus store. Take note that
there are various specifications for these fans. This one blows 104cfm
at 12V.
