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  #1  
Old 08-12-2016, 06:57 PM
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DonFromTX DonFromTX is offline
 
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Default Big Hands and Small Places

I guess they saved the worst for last. I have several hours now trying to put the pivot bolts in that hold the stabilator on! I have the nose jacked up a bit and the stabilator matching the fuselage, but the holes are elusive. Has anyone found an easy way to do this?
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  #2  
Old 08-12-2016, 07:33 PM
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Somewhere in my travels I picked up a pair of medium length forcepts that worked out pretty good in there. Even so, it was pretty tight. Superglue the washers.
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  #3  
Old 08-12-2016, 07:46 PM
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I measured and super glued the washers on, so I know it will fit OK. I am going to try some fancy tools to hold the bolt while I wiggle the tail.

Quote:
Originally Posted by tomkk View Post
Somewhere in my travels I picked up a pair of medium length forcepts that worked out pretty good in there. Even so, it was pretty tight. Superglue the washers.
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  #4  
Old 08-12-2016, 10:06 PM
John-G John-G is offline
 
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Don,

You may want to read what I documented on the DOG Aviation blog about installing the stabilator ... it may help. I remember I had some issues and documented what worked and what did not .... having a helper will make the task much easier.

http://www.dogaviation.com/2015/10/h...lled-what.html

Hope you find the link to the Blog helpful.

Good Luck,
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  #5  
Old 08-12-2016, 11:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DonFromTX View Post
I guess they saved the worst for last. I have several hours now trying to put the pivot bolts in that hold the stabilator on! I have the nose jacked up a bit and the stabilator matching the fuselage, but the holes are elusive. Has anyone found an easy way to do this?
Find the closest airport-bum kid and put him/her to work!
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  #6  
Old 08-13-2016, 01:53 AM
Yen Yen is offline
 
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Location: Benaraby Queensland. Australia
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I am not sure what the difficulty is because I havn't built a 12, but I did make a special tool for putting bolts into the RV4 elevator hinges. The problem was getting the bolt in far enough to one side and there was no finger room. My tool could be used in many simila situations built to suit each one. it is 2 pieces of metal, bent at 90 deg, one bent end goes on top of the bolt head, the other goes below the head and has a slot cut for the bolt shank. The 2 pieces then run alongside the shank to another 90 deg bend and the leg which is hand held. An elastic band holds the whole contraption together.
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  #7  
Old 08-13-2016, 08:21 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DonFromTX View Post
I guess they saved the worst for last. I have several hours now trying to put the pivot bolts in that hold the stabilator on! I have the nose jacked up a bit and the stabilator matching the fuselage, but the holes are elusive. Has anyone found an easy way to do this?
[IMG][/IMG]
Don, don't know if your picture shows the actual situation you are working but it is a bit easier working from the top with all fiberglass fairings off and the rudder off and out of the way? You can also use a couple of "bullets" to get and hold the holes aligned. I made bullets from bolts with the threads ground off and the shank tapered. Then once the stab is on and supported carefully remove the bullets and insert the bolts.

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Last edited by Tony_T : 08-13-2016 at 08:34 AM.
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  #8  
Old 08-13-2016, 04:15 PM
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For what it's worth, here is what we did to solve this problem (from my builder blog):
http://vieilleburette.blogspot.com/2...tabilator.html

There is not much details on the tool made of scrap Al we used to hold and push the washers but it was very simple with a notch holding the washer and scotch tape to prevent it to fall. Once the tapered bolt is passed through you just pull the tool and the washer stays in place. You then remove the tapered bolt and replace it with the right one. You need an assistant because it's difficult to hold both washer holder and tapered bolt.
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  #9  
Old 08-13-2016, 06:06 PM
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DonFromTX DonFromTX is offline
 
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Yeah, the photo does not represent current status, I did take the fiberglass off. I got a tool thru the holes on the pilot side, will try more tomorrow - all alone and that is a lot of the problem.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony_T View Post
Don, don't know if your picture shows the actual situation you are working but it is a bit easier working from the top with all fiberglass fairings off and the rudder off and out of the way? You can also use a couple of "bullets" to get and hold the holes aligned. I made bullets from bolts with the threads ground off and the shank tapered. Then once the stab is on and supported carefully remove the bullets and insert the bolts.

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  #10  
Old 08-13-2016, 06:08 PM
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DonFromTX DonFromTX is offline
 
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Nice to know you gave the same description that I feel.

Quote:
Originally Posted by WingedFrog View Post
For what it's worth, here is what we did to solve this problem (from my builder blog):
http://vieilleburette.blogspot.com/2...tabilator.html

There is not much details on the tool made of scrap Al we used to hold and push the washers but it was very simple with a notch holding the washer and scotch tape to prevent it to fall. Once the tapered bolt is passed through you just pull the tool and the washer stays in place. You then remove the tapered bolt and replace it with the right one. You need an assistant because it's difficult to hold both washer holder and tapered bolt.
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