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01-25-2014, 04:06 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Portsmouth, RI
Posts: 34
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Now it's the leading edge!!!!
AAAHHH!!!
I was concentrating in one place while disaster happened in another. I put some u-bolts in my table this afternoon to roll the leading edge on my rudder. As I was rolling the whole rudder assembly moved a little and I did not realize the u-bolt at the top of the assembly was digging into the spar/skin. It left a nice dent in the spar and crack in the skin.
I have a email into Vans, but I think I know what the answer is going to be. I guess this was good practice for the next one that will eventually hang on my plane. Does anyone have any ideas on how to make this into a coffee table?
Pat
__________________
Patrick Reynolds
RV-7(A) #74192
Empennage Started
Oceanside, CA
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01-25-2014, 05:03 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: McKinney, TX
Posts: 1,261
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part of the process.
I bet they tell you that you could flatten the bent part and add rivets to either side. I am no expert but I don't think the crack would go past the rivet.
I did not like how my stiffeners went onto my rudder so I bought all new parts and started over, later another builder saw the old rudder skin and asked why I did not like the rivets. So ask around as well as talk to Vans. I think I have that skin around some place, RV-8, so if you want it it is yours. PM me if you are interested.
Keep at it, you are going to love the plane.
Cheers
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Mike "Nemo" Elliott
RV-8A (First Flight 12-12-12!)
KOCF
N800ME
www.mykitlog.com/rvg8tor
Dues Paid 2019
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01-25-2014, 08:20 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Gardnerville Nv.
Posts: 2,828
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Opps! Most do two trim tabs, I did two rudders. All in all, this is still fun! Like above, I would call the mother ship, but I do not see this being a concern, it is on the other side of the spar, no load here?
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7A Slider, EFII Angle 360, CS, SJ.
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01-25-2014, 08:57 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin
Posts: 16
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+1
Does this ever bring back bad memories. I did the exact same thing. I can still remember the horrible feeling when I saw the damaged skin and spar. This was as close as I have come to calling it quits. I'm glad I didn't.
I ordered parts for a new rudder, and the second time around it's as close to perfection as I'm likely to get. I'll call it an expensive lesson.
A hint on the 'U' bolts: Turn them into 'J' bolts so the skin / spar can't get pulled against the 'U' bolt shank when you roll the leading edge.
__________________
Roger Grahl
Lac du Flambeau, WI
RV-9A Slider
Empennage - Completed
Wings - Completed
Fuselage - Completed
Finish Kit - Under Construction
VAF donation through October 2020
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01-26-2014, 01:55 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Tucker GA
Posts: 190
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As I recall, I used hold-downs outside the ends of the rudder, so there was nothing for the skin to hit. Worked fine.
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OldSam 
RV7A, Empennage, Wings & Tanks complete
Fuse under way
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01-26-2014, 08:15 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Estes Park, CO
Posts: 3,947
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J bolts
Quote:
Originally Posted by SledDog
A hint on the 'U' bolts: Turn them into 'J' bolts so the skin / spar can't get pulled against the 'U' bolt shank when you roll the leading edge.
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+1
I actually purchased J-bolts and after the rudder, I ground the end of each J-bolt round. I noticed on the rudder the skin would not slide under. The rounded end works better but I still have to watch closely. I use a 1/2" pipe first to get the edge curve then a 3/4" pipe to get the rest of the curve. The 1/2" helps get the edge curved so the rivet holes are easier to align. I drilled holes through each pipe so a phillips screwdriver would work as a lever. A piece of plastic or old shower curtain under the part allows it to slide.
__________________
Larry Larson
Estes Park, CO
http://wirejockrv7a.blogspot.com
wirejock at yahoo dot com
Donated 12/03/2019, plus a little extra.
RV-7A #73391, N511RV reserved (2,000+ hours)
HS SB, empennage, tanks, wings, fuse, working finishing kit
Disclaimer
I cannot be, nor will I be, held responsible if you try to do the same things I do and it does not work and/or causes you loss, injury, or even death in the process.
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01-26-2014, 08:23 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 3,179
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Pat, if this does become a coffee table, take some solace in knowing it won't be the most expensive coffee table out there 
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01-26-2014, 09:07 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Portsmouth, RI
Posts: 34
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All - Appreciate the words of advice and encouragement. I slept on it last night and I think for peace of mind I will more than likely just build a new one. Its an opportunity to improve my skills/technique. Pat
__________________
Patrick Reynolds
RV-7(A) #74192
Empennage Started
Oceanside, CA
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