Have crack, need tools

[dlloyd3]

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!

[dlloyd3]

268 Views. No one?

[dreed]

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

[EVR RV6]

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

EV

[Gash]

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

[dlloyd3]

Or a drug joke?

[dlloyd3]

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

[cdeerinck]

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.

[Raymo]

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

[dlloyd3]

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.