Help, Bevel 713/counterbalance elevator skin?

[dcurrier]

Originally Posted by dcurrier

I'm thinking the whole portion of the counterbalance skin (E-713) where it slips underneath the elevator skin (E-701R/L) needs to be shaved down so that the E-701 will transition to the part of the tip rib assembly that extends forward past the spar without as much of a bump.

I'm at this point right now and have been mulling it over in my head all week. I think I'm going to call Van's this morning. The only picture I have from an RV8/A shows the counterbalance skin (E-713) riding over the TOP of the elevator skin (E-701R/L). Aerodynamically that sorta makes more sense to me, but it doesn't follow the instructions I have.

So, I just got off the phone with Van's. I was completely wrong! So the objective is NOT to take enough material so that the elevator skin (E-701R/L) sits near flush with the counterbalance skin (E-713). The objective is to take off the sharp outer edge of the counterbalance skin where it rides under the elevator skin. Once everything is riveted together, this sharp edge could vibrate into the elevator skin and cause cracking. So the operation is to use sandpaper (or scotchbrite wheel) to knock the sharp edge on the last 3 inches of the inboard side of the counterbalance skin and the aft end of the skin. I hope that makes sense....

[Jonnyb]

This is why this forum is fantastic.
I had this exact same head scratching moment. A quick search and my question has been answered and am building on!!

Thank you VAF!!!