Fitting the Fittings:
Following on from February's article regarding progress with the SBD's anti-drag/engine cowlings, we can report that the primary components are now fully restored. Pioneer Aero Ltd. began by fabricating and installing each of the replacement stainless steel anti-abrasion strips (the originals being too worn for reuse). They also refurbished and installed each of the adjustable, steel latches which cinch the cowlings firmly in place.
Cadmium Plating:
Restoring these latches began with their complete disassembly and media-blasting (to free each piece of any lingering paint, dirt or surface corrosion). Pioneer then sent the parts out for cadmium plating, making sure that the period-correct, silver-hued 'Cad I' finish was applied instead of the gold-tinted, 'Cad II' coating more commonly used today. Cadmium plating is an electro-chemical process which 'passivates' the steel's surface layer, inhibiting corrosion. Cadmium plating also reduces the potential for galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals, a problem which often occurs in WWII vintage aircraft when bare steel comes into contact with aluminum.
Latch Reassembly:
Following the cad-plating process, Pioneer's Stephen Fox reassembled the latches and riveted them back in place on the cowling panels. These type-specific fasteners provide adjustable tension (via the threaded base of the mechanism's latching hook) to ensure the cowlings fit together snugly. The more each hook is recessed into the mounting block threads, the tighter the cowlings fit together and vice versa.
What's Next?
Each of the main anti-drag cowling panels is now structurally complete and will enter storage until the time comes for final painting. The two cooling gills (which mount either side of the engine) are now the only exterior firewall-forward components awaiting overhaul, a process which will begin in due course.
Another view of the righthand anti-drag cowling showing the latches going back on. (photo via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
An exterior view of the righthand anti-drag cowling showing the installation of new rivets attaching the latch mounts in place. At the time this image was taken, Pioneer was about to install an aluminum strip along the edge where the blank holes are visible. This will help seal the gap between adjacent cowl panels. (photo via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
An exterior view of the latches joining the left and right cowl units, the assemblies being mounted on the A-24 wind machine's forward fuselage. In this image, the latches are still awaiting installation of a Dzus fastener which will help keep them in place during normal aircraft operations. (photo via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
A view of the cowlings in place on the A-24's forward fuselage. The Banshee is essentially serving as an impromptu jig for trial-fitting some of the firewall-forward Dauntless parts. Note the large gap near the gun troughs - this is where the gill flap will go once it too is restored. It's equivalent on the righthand cowling is also awaiting overhaul. (photo via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
