I had to run out & deliver some items I’ve sold online in prep for my move.  Since it was in the latter part of the evening when I got started, I focused on planning out some details on what I call the “D-Deck,” the area at the aft end of the cabin, behind the GIB’s head, on top of the CS spar, and just forward of the firewall.  Basically the rear passenger’s head rest area.  I would like to build my canopy frame so that the frame continues past the aft edge of the canopy glass significantly farther than stock and have it intersect the firewall in much the same way as Wayne Blackler did on his Long-EZ:

To me, this removes the cavernous area behind the GIB’s head, provides a headrest platform, and an area to hide away electronics (and the fuel tank vent manifold).  Since I’ll be using GRT’s Engine Information System (GRT EIS-4000) I’d like to mount the EIS control unit in the D-Deck electronics area much like Nick Ugolini did (shown below, but without the spare battery) and as he discusses on his blog:

I’ll be honest, at first I didn’t like the thought of putting the EIS control head back in the aft of the aircraft.  I didn’t really see the light until I spoke with a GRT rep at the Sebring LSA show and he asked me why I would want to mount it up front in a Long-EZ with all that engine probe wiring traversing a good total length of the fuselage (i.e. bad for space, current noise & WEIGHT).  The GRT EIS control unit can really get away with one single wire feeding the EFIS all the engine info that is processed, tracked & displayed (which is a lot!).  If one wants to be able to upgrade the EIS control unit (aft) at the front panel with a laptop connection, then they would only require a whole ‘nother whopping second wire (vs. Lord knows how many by bringing all the probes up to the instrument panel if the control unit was mounted there). Thus, I get a well deserved “DUH!” on that one.  Ok, GRT (and Nick) ya’ got me this time, but never again . . . ha!

So I started measuring, designing and crafting my D-Deck electronics/fuel vent manifold mock housing out of poster board.

Also, although I’m not 100% one way or the other on whether I’ll have lower winglets installed on my bird (leaning more pro vs against), I would like an upgraded look compared to the traditional stock look.  I don’t necessarily dislike or abhor the stock lower winglets (my buddy Marco growns even at the mention of them, and threatens constant Unfriending on Facebook if I install them . . . ha!).  Anyway, I’ve started my research and am flirting with a redesign on my lower winglets.