I would say to others think hard before you do this. I spent yesterday helping a friend work on his 8A and he has done the same thing. Getting those pins back in to an assembled cowling (especially when cold) can be a real pain. Many times it is a 2 person job. When I first installed my pins this w...

2) Do you think it will be inconvenient to have the pin removal mechanism in the cockpit where you will not be able to reach the cowling if needed during removal? Antony It is an easy reach from where the pin goes in, in the cockpit to being able to hold down the top cowling aft end and rear corners.

Mike, Great write up on your ring install. I converted my Vans cowling using Sam's rings and front inserts so now it looks very similar now to the Sam James. I picked up a couple kts but the real reason I did it was because I retrofitted on his plenum. In any case, it is really easy to make your cow...