The next task on the F-705 was to fabricate the seat back stops that get riveted to the bulkhead’s top channel. The stops provide a stop (duh) for the hinged plates on the back of each seat back that allow the backs to be reclined a little. There are two stops for each seat; an angle that’s simply riveted to the back of the channel, and a piece of aluminum stock that sits on top of a small spacer that lifts the stock away from the bulkhead.

Here’s the aluminum stock receiving a slght bend so that its aft end nests under the yet-to-be fabricated angle. I bought a cheapo bending brake from Harbor Freight…seems to work ok if the part being bent isn’t too thick.

After bending, the front stop and its associated spacer get match-drilled to the channel.

…and here’s the aluminum angle rear stop being fitted and match-drilled. The only trick here is to make sure the angle rides 1/8″ above the channel; that leaves some room for the front stop and the seat back support.

And so…the seat back stops are done!