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I am no expert
These pages might help some...
http://www.rv7factory.com/log/060108.php http://www.jasonbeaver.com/rv7/2009/...-to-spars.html These are not my websites, so thanks to those who took the time to document the process so thoroughly. |
Tanks?
The good news is that you are moving right along. When are you going to be done? I need someone to take me for a ride :D
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Yeah, I've got plenty to work on while waiting on the replacement brackets. I still haven't ordered the Proseal yet. Thought about doing it today with the brackets, but not sure when I'll ACTUALLY be ready for it, AND I WANT IT FRESH FRESH FRESH. ;)
I can take you for a ride in the 150, but it won't be at the speed to which you are usually accustomed! :D |
Compren, from your links I see that the mistake I made was following the instructions and drilling the 1/8 inch hole in the upper flanges at the same time as drilling the bolt holes in the bottom flanges. Fortunately all of the bolt and rivet holes lined up except for the outer bracket rivet holes on both wings. I'm still not sure why those brackets didn't come out like the others, but whatever the reason, at least I know how to fix it with new brackets.
Hopefully those that follow will know to wait on drilling any of the rivet holes in the brackets until after mounting the brackets on the spar. All that is really necessary is to mark the centerline to be sure everything is in the right place. There's no reason to drill the 1/8 rivet hole in each bracket ahead of time. Maybe they should change the instructions? |
You got the Van's answer to something they know is wrong but won't fix. "Not uncommon" truthfully should be "always". I've found this problem in five -7 builds and addressed it in several posts. Try searching for all my posts then refine with "tank brackets" or some other terms until you find the relavent ones.
John Siebold |
Thanks, John. Yeah, I plan to do things a little differently when my replacement brackets arrive. I ordered four, so will also remake the inboard brackets to give me better access to the nuts with a socket.
Too bad Van's doesn't update their instructions. It's such a minor item but sure would help save some $$$ and time and frustration. Especially when so much of the kit goes together so well. |
Same problem here!!!
Hi everyone!
Same problem here... I wish I'd seen this post before last month!!! Even if I took extra care in centering those 1/8" holes, some weren't perfectomundo center and didn't quite align properly with the baffle. The worst one is seen here: ![]() My hole , the one on the left, was off to the left, couldn't cleco the baffle so I drilled through and see how off it becomes... Even the new hole is off centre also!!! Maybe I got it all wrong with the instruction... But it seems to me that these 1/8" holes should be made after the Z's are bolted to the spar as per the Dan Checkoway method. New Z's, platenuts and bolts ordered... 12 hours and money lost... :mad: Next time, I will follow Dan's method!!! |
I screwed these up on my 9A also - same deal. This is definitely a common problem that needs to be addressed in the building directions.
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Amen, brothers! I won't tell you how many of these dang z brackets I've ordered from Van's -- getting quite good at making them! The Checkoway method is the way to go. It's the only way I can find to ensure you have a good fit at the splice plate AND have good tank to bracket rivet holes.
One caution, however, and it's a biggie. I was using the Checkoway method when my drill stop slipped and I drilled into my spar. It was on the inboard tank rib over the top spar cap. Realistically, I didn't have to drill this in place, but since everything was going so well I thought this would give me a good rivet fit in match drilling all the rib holes to the #1 bracket, most inboard. It's been a full month and I'm still waiting on an answer from Van's engineering, but one note they sent 2 weeks ago didn't sound good. So, if you use the Checkoway method on your new brackets, DO NOT DRILL THE INBOARD ROOT RIB TO BRACKET HOLES WHILE THE RIB IS IN PLACE AND OVER THE SPAR CAPS. Wait and drill those four holes later with the tank off the wing. This stupid little thing may in fact put an end to my build, so don't let it happen to you. AND YES, VAN'S NEEDS TO CHANGE THEIR INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING TANK BRACKETS. |
I had the same problem. And reordered all new brackets. Like you stated it is a common problem.
Before webshots screwed up their site and lumped all the picture I had ever taken I did post an alternative method of drilling. I'll review my pictures and get back to you. I do have it posted in my construction log manual that is more complete than the pictures I've taken so I just might email you with the pages from my construction book. Smilin' Jack |
How did it go?
Quote:
Did you get any news from Van's? Do you have any pics of the mishap? Hopefully it was nothing but a close call, and you can carry on. Cheers! |
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