Have crack, need tools
 

Inspection yesterday revealed a crack on the horizontal stab spar just like pictured in Van's SB 14-01-31. Except less spread and harder to see. I have already ordered the kit to do the repair. Two years ago we moved and I sold many of my building tools. I have what I need except a 90 degree drill with 1 1/2" long #30 and #40 bits as recommended in the service bulletin. Could someone loan or rent me one for a few weeks? A hand squeezer with flat sets would come in handy also.

Just in case you don't know, the kit is $!15 plus shipping. Van's says 40-60 hours for the repair!

268 Views. No one?

Not that I am a lot of help, most of my tools are not at my place right now, but where are you located?

Do still need the drill?
 

If so send me your address and I will send you one? send to evroosevelt210@gmail.com

EV

Sorry, I only clicked on this thread because I was expecting a plumber joke.

Or a drug joke?

E. V. has me taken care of. Thanks.

Careful !!!
 

Dave - Be very careful. I tried the SB on my stab (no crack, but I wasn't flying yet, so I figured why not do it now?).

Unfortunately, I destroyed it by elongating a hole when drilling out a rivet. I contacted Vans, and they said there is no fix for that, and it is a critical location, so make a new one. I think the new stab took less time than the SB (but obviously more money, and paint).

Their hindsight words of caution were this: "Because this is a very difficult SB, we advise not doing this unless cracks are already present, and if you are at all unsure of your skill, seek a professional to do the work."

I'm not saying don't do it yourself, but just be careful. It was very easy to destroy.

Here is a good video on the repair. Partially pulling the skins helps enormously in getting the job done.

Have only a dozen or so rivets remaining to drill. Yes, have to be very careful not to ruin anything. Yes, it may be more simple to build a new HS.