Builders Help, Please

[WSBuilder]

What did most of you do to integrate the lower F-450 longeron into the F-404 bulkhead: Sandwich in between the U-plate and the -404 flange or just rivet against the U-plate/404 web flange stack?
I assume you want a minimal step off the U-plate for skin smoothness so wouldn't the sandwich approach be best? Same question concerning the floor rib, F-415 on the aft side of -404? Also, did you slightly bend the longeron at F-402?
Thanks for any help!

[pkill]

Hello Bill,

You’re about to drop off Today’s Posts with 0 replies ! Hate it when that happens . Sometimes a Google Search will turn up more than the VAF Search. Here is a couple Google hits which might give you a lead until Van’s Tech Support opens on Monday ?

http://www.vafarchive.com/msg/vaf/t2005078000

http://rv-4log.blogspot.com/p/support.html

http://rv-4log.blogspot.com/2011/09/...rib-f-415.html

pk

[WSBuilder]

Originally Posted by pkill

Here is a couple Google hits which might give you a lead until Van?s Tech Support opens on Monday ?
pk

Thanks, PK. These show the exact same challenges I'm dealing with, without answers. I called Van's about this last week and after their obligatory sigh hearing it was an antique -4, I was told to "just make it work." Gee, thanks.

[Brian Vickers]

My airplane?

Forward angle extrusion is notched, rear is bent, shim sandwiched below. No right or wrong method; builder to choose.

[WSBuilder]

Thanks, Brian. But I was asking opinions on the lower longeron (top-most while in the jig), the F-450 with the 1" flanges and obtuse angle on the very bottom. I think you're showing the 3/4" longeron. I know these transmit a lot of load into the F-404 but the most attention goes to a smooth skin transition. Just looking for some options.

[Brian Vickers]

I can email a few more photos of the area you are questioning. Too much hassle to post. On the side, I cut a step in 450 (table saw). 450 is straight, no bends in either plain, from 404 to firewall. The bottom of 450 does not overlap the bottom flange on front 404 bulkhead, which also has the narrow sheet piece that holds them together at the bottom. I used a gusset at the intersection of 450 and 404 bottom flange.

[rv4ross]

Bill,
Here's what I did on my 4. For what it's worth, It's the way I decided to make it work, you may want to do something different. Did a lot of research before I finalized it and it's the best way I found.
Now hopefully, I can figure the way to insert a picture.

Looks like I'm not having any luck, or I'm to impatient. Send me
and email address and I'll return a couple.

Ross Scroggs
RV-4 #3911
Locust Grove, GA

[WAM120RV]

Hi

Sorry I missed the original post for some reason?

I will look up these parts and try to photograph them tonight.

[Derek]

Originally Posted by WSBuilder

What did most of you do to integrate the lower F-450 longeron into the F-404 bulkhead: Sandwich in between the U-plate and the -404 flange or just rivet against the U-plate/404 web flange stack?
I assume you want a minimal step off the U-plate for skin smoothness so wouldn't the sandwich approach be best? Same question concerning the floor rib, F-415 on the aft side of -404? Also, did you slightly bend the longeron at F-402?
Thanks for any help!

Hi,

I'm currently at the same stage of construction as you. I found a picture of the F450 intersection (someone elses aircraft) on this forum, hope this helps.

[nauga]

Originally Posted by WSBuilder

I called Van's about this last week and after their obligatory sigh hearing it was an antique -4, I was told to "just make it work." Gee, thanks.

Probably won't make you feel any better but depending on who answered the phone this was a typical answer even before -4's became 'outdated'.

I'm about to walk out to the shop and see if I can get a few clear pictures of how I dealt with it.