Tonight I was able to get the trim tab clecoed into position on the left elevator. I am within 1/32″ of the trailing and inboard edges which I am pleased with. It looks as if the travel needed will be within spec once I get the bottom of the trim tab bend to clear the rivets in the elevator.
Tasks Completed:
Tasks Completed:
Tonight I snuck down to the basement for a couple of hours. I started bending the leading edge of the right elevator. I was much more efficient with effort and the amount of duct tape compared with the rudder. I did notice the thinker skin on the elevator takes a bit more force to bend. I left the workshop with the edges clecoed together, but it needs more work before I can drill and rivet.
Tasks Completed:
The jig worked pretty well. If I were to do it over I wouldn’t insert clecoes in the countersunk holes. The countersink was basically right to the edge so the holes distorted a little when I took the cleocos out. I think its minor issue since this part will be sandwiched between the dimpled skin and the trim tab hinge.
Tasks Completed:
Tonight I drilled the counterweight attach hole in E713, 714, 703 and 704 to #12. I clecoed on the left skin and elevator horn and finshed match drilling the remaining holes. Everything seemed to fit very well. I am wondering if the trailing edge is bent enough in the middle section. It looks a little too rounded around the edge there. I will check further before final riveting.
–Match drilled E610P and E702
–Clecoed E703 and 704 together
–Matchdrilled them to E702
–Shaped E714 and clecoed E713 into place.
NOTE: E610PP holes don’t quit align with E702 holes.They appear to be 1/32″ off. I emailed Van’s. They said if I can get the clecos on without distorting the spar, then its probably ok to drill. Build on…2 hours
Tasks Completed:
We just got back from a long weekend in Vegas. It was nice be in the warm desert before our winter really kicks into high gear. Now back to the project!
Note: Holes in the outboard right elevator spar doubler and the E701R spar are slightly off set by approx. 1/32″. I need to contact Van’s to confirm this is within tolerances. Update (11.20.07): Joe B. at Van’s says its no issue as long as no torsion is created in the spar by trying the force the clecoes in place (which is not happening in my case). Problem resolved.
–Trimmed the vinyl on right elevator skin
–Clecoed stiffeners on right elevator skin
Note: The tapered end on some stiffeners needs to be trimmed further.
–Finished trailing edge riveting
–Started rolling leading edges
The trailing edge was finished with very good results. It’s well within spec. I’m very happy overall.Next up was the leading edges.
After testing a number options, I used a 3/4″ wooden dowel to roll the edges. The rolling went ok, but I still can’t get the 2 edges close enough to cleco. Also in trying the leading edge to bend more I slightly creased the leading edges. I finally gave up for the night fearing I would screw more stuff up.