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-   -   RV-7 Z-EDD, Zimbabwe (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=109734)

Z-EDD 11-26-2016 10:15 AM

Lower longeron to firewall bolts.
 
When I fitted the specified AN3-5A bolts they seemed a little long. When I threaded the nut on with only one washer, 4 threads were visible leading to a danger that the nut was tightening on the shank of the bolt, so I added a washer. Unfortunately, I decided to add it under the bolt head. I torqued everything down, but now that I am riveting I have realised that these will interfere with good access to buck these important rivets. So unfortunately they have had to be removed. If I had put the extra washer under the nut I might have still had good access.IMG_0956 by Ed Fleming, on FlickrIMG_0947 by Ed Fleming, on FlickrIMG_0947 by Ed Fleming, on FlickrIMG_0947 by Ed Fleming, on Flickr

Z-EDD 11-26-2016 10:24 AM

Firewall sealing
 
I used 3m Firebarrier 2000+ to seal the firewall. Vans won't ship their stuff outside the lower 48, so not even to Alaska where I can pick it up on my travels. 3m costs 20 bucks at ACS and they'll ship it anywhere. This stuff was recommended by Dave Prizio in his "best practices" column. It is silicon based and comes in a large tube that can be loaded in a caulking gun. No mixing required, very easy to applyIMG_0940 by Ed Fleming, on FlickrIMG_0940 by Ed Fleming, on FlickrIMG_0940 by Ed Fleming, on FlickrIMG_0940 by Ed Fleming, on FlickrIMG_0940 by Ed Fleming, on FlickrIMG_0940 by Ed Fleming, on Flickr

Z-EDD 01-05-2017 01:15 PM

Flipped the Canoe!
 
Well, today was the biggest and most satisfying day in the project since unpacking the kit. I started riveting the "canoe" together around 8 weeks ago. In that time I have managed only 4 sessions, but 2 of those were marathons. It has been frustrating at times, but in the end it is well worth waiting for a highly competent riveting partner. Most of these rivets were shot by my buddy Kev whilst here on layover from his airline job. Kev worked on the hangar floor for a few years before becoming a pilot, so he knows his stuff. If we had to drill out one of his rivets it was probably my fault. My father in law Alistair helped with the final session and today we finally "flipped the canoe". What a momentIMG_0971 by Ed Fleming, on FlickrIMG_0972 by Ed Fleming, on FlickrIMG_0973 by Ed Fleming, on FlickrIMG_0976 by Ed Fleming, on FlickrIMG_0979 by Ed Fleming, on FlickrIMG_0980 by Ed Fleming, on FlickrIMG_0982 by Ed Fleming, on FlickrIMG_0984 by Ed Fleming, on Flickr

AndyRV7 01-06-2017 08:23 AM

It looks great! And it's a 7!!

ba5online 01-07-2017 07:40 AM

Nice job. In the second photo, is that a cracked flange behind the 4 bolts?

Z-EDD 01-08-2017 10:22 PM

It comes like that
 
I can see why you would think that, but both of those steel weldments came like that. They are actually separate parts, welded nearer the front. The gap is quite narrow between them and the powder coating partially covers the gap, which then leaves a ragged edge when they are pulled apart slightly.

rightrudder 01-09-2017 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z-EDD (Post 1140385)
I can see why you would think that, but both of those steel weldments came like that. They are actually separate parts, welded nearer the front. The gap is quite narrow between them and the powder coating partially covers the gap, which then leaves a ragged edge when they are pulled apart slightly.

Nice progress, Ed! An especially thorough job of sealing the firewall. :)

Yeah, that freaked me out when I saw those brackets on my QB fuselage. I had this terrible sinking feeling that I'd have to re-crate the fuse and send it back to Van's. Perfectly normal, as it turned out.

Z-EDD 01-12-2017 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rightrudder (Post 1140567)
Nice progress, Ed! An especially thorough job of sealing the firewall. :)

Thanks Doug, almost 3 years and I'm just getting to the QB stage! Loved every minute though :)

Z-EDD 04-03-2017 12:48 PM

Aft deck
 
First job after flipping the canoe over is the aft deck. First I levelled the fuse longitudinally.

IMG_0992 by Ed Fleming, on Flickr

And Laterally

IMG_0995 by Ed Fleming, on Flickr

0.3 degrees out at the aft deck, doesn't seem like much.

IMG_0998 by Ed Fleming, on Flickr

I used ratcheting straps to remove the twist and drilled. I tried removing the twist by hand and clamping but it just wasn't going to happen. The straps held it nicely.
Also as you can see I could have done this with just the bubble level. Oh well, we like gadgets and numbers!

IMG_1000 by Ed Fleming, on Flickr

Here's another view showing the lower strap on the tail spring.

IMG_1001 by Ed Fleming, on Flickr

kentlik 04-05-2017 09:44 AM

Very nice work Sir!


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