What procedure, tricks, tools, etc., do you guys/gals use to reinstall an early model (185C) lower cowl by yourself? Ratchet straps? Floor jack? Front fasteners in first/last? Don't have an engine hoist, but I could see using that and some ratchet straps. Appreciate everyone's insight.

I cantilever mine into place from the front with two hands and a knee, then kick a plastic garbage pail under it. Then I move to the exhaust side and can usually get a couple quarter turn fasteners in, then a couple on the opposite side.

I have more trouble getting the induction boot back on than the cowl.

I have a old, high quality, plush office chair with arms I found.
Adjustable in many directions, rotates, casters, etc.
It holds cowl gently and firmly. Set the height, roll it into place, fiddle with the screws.

Plus you can sit in it when done.

--Bill

Here’s how I do my C180B - cushion on tall garbage can, place bottom cowl on same, wheel cowl under engine, stab bottom cowl with exhaust pipe, and wedge cushion/can under engine. I place a couple sheet metal screws on each side, then wheel cushion/can away.

Taking the cowl off is the exact opposite.

FWIW, I then loosely place screws in every hole, next close the cowl access doors, and then tighten all the outside screws. I then open up the cowl access doors, tighten the internal screws there, and resecure the cowl access doors. All that’s left is the cowl flap bell crank clevis pins.

Necessity is the Mother of invention, ya gotta love creativity.

Mapleflt

jrc111 wrote:

Here’s how I do my C180B - cushion on tall garbage can, place bottom cowl on same, wheel cowl under engine, stab bottom cowl with exhaust pipe, and wedge cushion/can under engine. I place a couple sheet metal screws on each side, then wheel cushion/can away.

Taking the cowl off is the exact opposite.

FWIW, I then loosely place screws in every hole, next close the cowl access doors, and then tighten all the outside screws. I then open up the cowl access doors, tighten the internal screws there, and resecure the cowl access doors. All that’s left is the cowl flap bell crank clevis pins.

Nice. I have a spare roller can and some foam which I think will be heading to the hangar. Thanks.