new wings order

[JENSWAY]

I am about to order my wings!

Would anyone recommend a delux lockable fuel cap as opposed to the ones Van's supplies with the kit?

Also, would it be a wise idea to order the landing lights now or would I be able to retro-fit them once the wing construction is complete?

[JonJay]

If you are going with the standard Van's (Ducks) leading edge kit, they will retrofit, but it is a lot easier to drill and rivet the nutplates while the wing is open.
While I do not have the locking caps, those I am familiar with can be ordered from Van's as well. They retrofit into standard flange. The people I know that have them are happy with them. They look nice and appear to be high quality. The only issue here in the States is that the older gas nozzle size is too big to fit into the retofitted opening. Most pumps have been changed out over the years so I think that issue is rare.
I noticed they do have new locking caps also that are not retrofit. I have never seen those so I can not comment on them.

[DaAV8R]

I had this same question not too long ago. I was thinking about upgrading primarily to get a better flange. My thought was that a machined flange might result in a smoother skin.

I ended up buying the standard caps with their flanges. I have installed them and am happy with the results.

I also figure that the parts for these caps will always be available.

[N941WR]

When I ordered my wings, I bought the standard caps and am happy with them. While you are building, you might want to send the caps off to be engraved. Here's a link.

Other things I ordered at the same time were Dynon pitot tube, a Gretz chrome pitot mast, SafeAir1 pitot - static line kit, the Duckworth landing lights, conduit from Van's, extra snap bushings for the pitot and AoA lines, position lights & strobes.

When I started flying, I bought an extra fuel cap and quick drain to keep in my tool bag. (I did not engrave my N-number on the fuel caps, just in case I lost one in flight. Which I truly hope never happens.)

Oh, if you are going to install an auto pilot, you might want to order the bracket. However, this can be put in later and is easy to install.

[krw5927]

I purchased the deluxe locking caps. They are beautiful and easy to open/close. I've read reports where folks had trouble opening their standard caps with their fingers or had to use a tool. Absolutely no problem with the deluxe caps.

I've also read reports, like JonJay above, that the retro-fit locking caps with their flange that bonds into the existing flange hole, leave an opening that is too narrow for certain fuel pump nozzles. Like he said, probably not a big issue if you decide to go that route.

Yes, the deluxe caps are kind of expensive. But they're great and I'm glad I have them.

[Joe Parish]

I recently sent the standard caps back and received the deluxe caps. I could not open the standard ones with my finger, had to use a screw driver or other tool to pop the little tab up. The deluxe lockable ones operate easily!

[JENSWAY]

I'll go with the delux caps and instal the landing lights while I have the wing open. Thanks for the info, it's more to the point than chin wagging at the airfield!

[FlyingArcher]

Wayne,

You might also want to order 2 x F FUEL TANK PU W/SCRN. This was recommended to me by many builders.

[carguy614]

I highly recommend the Andair retrofit caps. IMHO, it was the best upgrade I ever did to my 9A. My 9 has them from the start. Uses the Usher flanges. I also have an extra pair of brand new ones that a friend of mine has asked me to sell for him. He tried to make them work on his Lancair, but there was no real good way to do it. I hassled with the Usher fuel caps and learned to truly hate them. Andair caps are a bit pricey, but worth every penny, and they lock and look fantastic.
Regards,
Chris

[pierre smith]

Will they work on my -10?

How much?

Thanks,