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-   -   About to buy my wings, any advice for things to add? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=144998)

nilberg 12-19-2016 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CubedRoot (Post 1135427)
I am about 85% done with my tail kit, and I plan on finishing it up in the next month or so, especially given the holiday breaks. So, I am getting ready to order my wing kit. I am going slow build on everything, because I love building for the fun of it. Here is a list of things I am planning on adding:

1. Fuel level senders. Float type since Van's doesn't sell capacitive anymore.
2. 2 extra longerons (advice I had seen from Larry on another thread).
3. Better fuel caps, I think everyone recommends the locking style.
4. Electric Aileron trim. Would like to go with the tab style instead of spring bias.
5. Fuel pickup tubes, pre-made. Maybe flop style?
6. AOA and Pitot plumbing lines
7. Plastic conduit
8. Return fuel line plumbing

I am planning on doing wing tip lighting, but I haven't fully settled on which LED kit I want to use. I really like Aveo's ZipTips but they are very pricey, and there are good alternatives for normal wing tips like Baja etc.

What else should I also add to this order to save money on shipping, etc? What other options would you get for the wings?

2. I needed replacement, but I had a local source for the same material. Like they say low cost item to buy, expensive to transport.

4. The electric aileron trim is merely an added servo and some HW to operate the spring bias system (and actually a fuselage option). Maybe you meant elevator trim ? Options are either manual or electric. Many autopilots can also trim, so if you want that option, electric is the way to go.

6. Cleaveland took over some of Avery Tools inventory and still have the SafeAir kits available.

7. Plenty of conduits are already included

Things to consider:
Get the RV7/7A drawing DVD, it has all the OP drawings as well. Including the capacitive drawings (OP07). Pretty easy to make.

Maybe add the tank testing kit.

CubedRoot 12-19-2016 06:36 PM

Added the fuel tank test kit. I already have the plans DVD it's super useful.

Typically for a 7 the aileron trim. Is using the bias springs and a servo that's ordered with the fuselage, but the 6 has an option to add a trim tab on the aileron and a servo inside the aileron much like the elevator trim is done. I've seen a post on here where a guy retrofitted this sort of trim tab onto his 7 and it looked really good and he said it worked really well. I'll try to find the post and link it. I think he used the RV6 kit and just tweaked it a little.

CubedRoot 12-19-2016 10:17 PM

Found the thread:

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...d.php?p=625799

Pat Hatch did a really great job putting the little trib tab in that aileron, making a very clean and sleek look. However, I wonder if having the servo in the aileron makes it feel any heavier or throws the balance off. Maybe it could be balanced out, but not sure.

StuBob 12-20-2016 04:20 AM

The former SafeAir mast is sold by Cleaveland as "Pitot Mast Blue."

BSwayze 12-20-2016 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CubedRoot (Post 1135459)
Is this the usual nice fuel cap that everyone recommends? http://vansaircraft.com/cgi-bin/stor...duct=delux-cap

That looks like the ones I bought when I did my wings, Lynn. Although that was a long time ago (about 8 years, actually... I'm slow). But you're going to love them! The flange that goes inside the tank is nicely curved to match the curvature of the leading edge, and they work super well. Very nice!






rzbill 12-20-2016 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CubedRoot (Post 1135427)
I am planning on doing wing tip lighting, but I haven't fully settled on which LED kit I want to use. I really like Aveo's ZipTips but they are very pricey, and there are good alternatives for normal wing tips like Baja etc.

This brings a question to mind. I assume you are speaking of strobes and nav lights in the above. If you are speaking of landing lights there is one more thing to address.

I am pretty sure I have seen that Vans is now pre-cutting the landing light hole in the wing skin. That's fine if you want the landing lights in the position they have selected. (mine are in the tips).

EDIT. I may be thinking of a pre-cut hole for stall warning. See post from Z-EDD further down the thread. EDIT

CubedRoot 12-20-2016 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rzbill (Post 1135620)
This brings a question to mind. I assume you are speaking of strobes and nav lights in the above. If you are speaking of landing lights there is one more thing to address.

I am pretty sure I have seen that Vans is now pre-cutting the landing light hole in the wing skin. That's fine if you want the landing lights in the position they have selected. (mine are in the tips).


I haven't decided if I want to use wingtip landing lights or leading edge. If Van's is pre-cutting the leading edge, I will probably end up using the leading edge holes for some wide angle taxi lights, and the wing-tips as focused landing lights.

Draker 12-20-2016 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wirejock (Post 1135455)
Buy a pitot tube mount and plumbing. The Gretz mount is pretty nice and fits most masts. Safe Air plumbing kit is pretty sweet.

What is the benefit of the Safe Air kit? Did some searching and found a lot of people installing it, but not the sales pitch.

fl-mike 12-20-2016 12:17 PM

Deluxe fuel caps, I got the non-locking. Very, very nice.
Autopilot servo install kit.
An extra W-730 aileron bellcrank jig. Lets you do both wings at the same time. Cheap.
Some extra nutplates
Leading edge landing light kit(s) if you want to go that route. Only need the install kits, not the lights yet (LEDs are improving quickly!)
The hinge stock needed to do the screw-less wingtip mod if you want to do it.
#6 and #8 dimple dies.
Some scotchbrite deburring wheels (small) for the lightening holes and such.
A TON of 3/32 clecos! (I borrowed from every builder I know)
Extra sheets of aluminum. Pick some handy sizes in a few thicknesses. (has Van's improved the fit of the stall warner access plate yet?)
A good riveting buddy for the wing skins!

wirejock 12-20-2016 02:56 PM

Safeair1
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Draker (Post 1135649)
What is the benefit of the Safe Air kit? Did some searching and found a lot of people installing it, but not the sales pitch.

Easy peasy leak free connections. They also come apart easy. They are color coded. :D


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