Van's Air Force
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RV-8 side storage
- Thread starter Webb
- Start date
ArlingtonRV
Well Known Member
I can't take any credit for it, because I didn't do it, but this is what is in the -8 that I have. It is very convenient.
Carl Froehlich
Well Known Member
Some thoughts:
- This is the most common storage spot:
- The opposite side can be done, but if you have a rear throttle the space is limited and for me not worth the effort:
- I recommend not putting storage forward of these spots (outboard of the passenger foot wells). I flew in the back of an RV-8 with these made into storage and found that they prevented my feet from doing anything other than pointed straight up (instead of relaxed and angled outboard). This was an annoyance.
- I did see one RV-8 with the right side aft panel below the arm rest modified to have a storage area. This works but is not accessible to the pilot in flight, and if you have a passenger the stuff sticking out can be a problem. Do not make the storage taller than the existing rear seat arm rest. Some restoration of panel strength would be a good idea as well.
Carl
- This is the most common storage spot:
- The opposite side can be done, but if you have a rear throttle the space is limited and for me not worth the effort:
- I recommend not putting storage forward of these spots (outboard of the passenger foot wells). I flew in the back of an RV-8 with these made into storage and found that they prevented my feet from doing anything other than pointed straight up (instead of relaxed and angled outboard). This was an annoyance.
- I did see one RV-8 with the right side aft panel below the arm rest modified to have a storage area. This works but is not accessible to the pilot in flight, and if you have a passenger the stuff sticking out can be a problem. Do not make the storage taller than the existing rear seat arm rest. Some restoration of panel strength would be a good idea as well.
Carl
scsmith
Well Known Member
I made storage compartments ABOVE the arm rests in front, on both sides. The arm rest itself forms the bottom of the compartment.
I don't think anyone actually finds the front arm rests useful as arm rests anyway. But I'm pretty happy with the storage there. However, I did make the sides come up a bit too high, (so the compartment is too deep). It is a bit hard to reach in to grab a pen, for example. So on my next one, the compartments won't be quite so deep.
I also made a small storage compartment in the right hand side flap drive cover. There is a partition on it to prevent anything from drifting back into the actual flap drive mechanism. I keep a small bag of tools and spare headset batteries in there.
I don't think anyone actually finds the front arm rests useful as arm rests anyway. But I'm pretty happy with the storage there. However, I did make the sides come up a bit too high, (so the compartment is too deep). It is a bit hard to reach in to grab a pen, for example. So on my next one, the compartments won't be quite so deep.
I also made a small storage compartment in the right hand side flap drive cover. There is a partition on it to prevent anything from drifting back into the actual flap drive mechanism. I keep a small bag of tools and spare headset batteries in there.
Mine are like Steves, and I agree that the arm rests aren’t really useful for an average-sized person. I also built similar compartments below the upper ones, which gives lots of room for accumulated pilot stuff…
pockets
I just installed pockets on all the upholstery panels. Ended up with 5 pockets on each side - lots of storage. See video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KECH6NEaXY
I just installed pockets on all the upholstery panels. Ended up with 5 pockets on each side - lots of storage. See video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KECH6NEaXY
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So there I was minding my own business.
On the way out the door going to work, my support staff asked if she can have a USB port in the back to charge her phone.
No problem. Of course I didn’t tell her that one was going back there anyway.
Will I have someplace to put my phone when I’m not using it and it can still be charging?
No problem. Surprise. I guess I didn’t want to curl the mid side skins today.
5 hours later, no problem. BTW - Small boxes are harder to make than large ones. A millimeter or 2 off knocks them out of square quickly.
I am using the top of the space below the arm rest for her and the rest will be for storage.
On the way out the door going to work, my support staff asked if she can have a USB port in the back to charge her phone.
No problem. Of course I didn’t tell her that one was going back there anyway.
Will I have someplace to put my phone when I’m not using it and it can still be charging?
No problem. Surprise. I guess I didn’t want to curl the mid side skins today.
5 hours later, no problem. BTW - Small boxes are harder to make than large ones. A millimeter or 2 off knocks them out of square quickly.
I am using the top of the space below the arm rest for her and the rest will be for storage.
Attachments
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Little Wing
Active Member
Exactly what I’m planning. Thanks for visual.
fl-mike
Well Known Member
Yeah, but what about the cigar lighter?
Yeah, but what about the cigar lighter?
Essential equipment in case the Fuente to the left of it needs a recharge.
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BruceEicher
Well Known Member
Same here. Absolutely vital. It's where the kitchen garbage bag rides, the kind with the red strip around the opening....
