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-   -   HS lower gap covers (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=180823)

TASEsq 03-28-2020 12:59 AM

HS lower gap covers
 
Hi!

Just wondering what sort of gap I should be looking for between the lower empennage gap covers (under the HS). I assume 1/16? would be ok since that?s the minimum gap around the elevator horns?

Also - can anyone recommend any rubber channel etc that would be appropriate here to stop the fairings rubbing / damaging the HS should it flex under G?

Thank you!

Here is a photo of the fairing I am talking about:


https://photos.app.goo.gl/u8KDznJ8PumWtcy26

Here is the gap call out:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/UHPeQ5YYBEin525YA

TASEsq 03-28-2020 02:55 AM

I was wondering if something as simple as this would suit?
https://www.clarkrubber.com.au/produ...l-18mm-x-4-4mm

Ron B. 03-28-2020 05:49 AM

I just have a small gap in mine and on third annual with no signs of wear on paint.

BillL 03-28-2020 06:30 AM

Vans sells an extruded piece that can fill that gap, but it was a real pain on the 7 so I went with a custom glass piece after way too much time and $$ spent. If the plans say leave the gap, I would suggest you do that. It will last a lifetime. Vans does improve the designs with time.

Snowflake 03-28-2020 08:11 AM

My 1996 RV-6 has never had a rubber piece on that fairing. No contact with elevator in aerobatic manoeuvering.

philb 03-28-2020 09:32 AM

The -10 has rubber channel called out and provided for that gap. Probably more aerodynamic/cosmetic than cushioning though.

Phil
RV10
KBTF
Bountiful, Utah

TASEsq 03-28-2020 07:08 PM

Thanks guys,

The plans don?t call for a gap - and it is currently touching the HS.

I was thinking 1/16? would be suitable?

gasman 03-28-2020 09:14 PM

Look at door edge trim...... https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b...2519119?pos=11

scsmith 03-29-2020 12:51 AM

Leaks like that cause drag. I would not leave a gap.

What I did was after final assembly including final paint, I put a strip of vinyl tape along the edge that was a pretty close color match to the fuselage color, then I masked off a 1/10 inch space on the stabilizer skin and the gap filler strip, and put a bead of clear RTV caulk there.

If I ever need to take the stabilizer off the fuselage again, I can just peel the vinyl tape off and the bead of RTV will be free of the fuselage, but still stuck to the stabilizer.

Since it is on the underside, the vinyl tape doesn't get any sunlight - it still looks like new after 10 years.

mturnerb 03-29-2020 04:01 AM

I just eased the edges until it fit snugly - happy with it so far (100 hours). I never thought about any trim there, but did consider it for the wing gap fairings. But now that it's painted, I'm happy with cosmetics and performance is good, so leaving it be for now.


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