I've finally resolved my mounting issues with the horizontal stab and now have new issues with the vertical stab.
I've followed the blue print and have exactly 7-11/32" between the top of the F-718 Longeron and the top of the lower Hinge bracket.
Next I clamped the F-781 to the H Stab, using the 3/8" measurement from the bottom of the plate to the center of the holes on the HStab.
Here comes the problem. When I raise the front Spar of the V Stab up high enough to get all three rudder hinges in alignment, I do not have sufficent edge clearance for the rivets attaching F-781 to the VStab (VS-702). (If I would have waited to trim off the 5/8" indicated on the plans I wouldn't have this problem)
Additionally, the front of the bottom skin of the V Stab sits a bit (~1/4") higher than the fuselage skin. Looking at other pictures I've found on VAF, this appears a bit high.
I called Vans and their best suggestion was to order some 063 and make a longer F-781 myself..... while I can certainly do that, I thought that I'd check with the experts on VAF to see if there was a different solution that I'm missing.
Thanks again for your help and patience,
Jason