Starting My RV8 EMP Kit

[rkiefer2]

I purchased a new untouched RV8 EMP kit that was kitted in 2014. I've got all the tools ready, parts inventoried, shop laid out, etc.

Looking for recommendations on the following:

• Best place for the "Plan Gothcas"
• Awesome build logs with pictures to help when I get stuck
• Any rivet identification, dies <---> rivets <---> drill sizes, etc cheat sheets

Any recommendations is appreciated.

Thanks,

[N804RV]

Yep. Here's one and two:


https://www.vansaircraft.com/service...s/sb-14-01-31/

https://www.vansaircraft.com/service...s/sb-14-02-05/

Make sure both of these are incorporated. Also, Even if they are already incorporated in your kit, print out and study them. And, compare the service bulletins to the plans and make sure you understand them before doing anything.

It took me a lot of slow progress on these due to the head scratching involved. From what I've heard, I'm not the only one.

[PhatRV]

Originally Posted by rkiefer2

I purchased a new untouched RV8 EMP kit that was kitted in 2014. I've got all the tools ready, parts inventoried, shop laid out, etc.

Looking for recommendations on the following:

• Best place for the plan "Gothcas"
• Awesome build logs with pictures to help when I get stuck
• Any rivet identification, dies <---> rivets <---> drill sizes, etc cheat sheets

Any recommendations is appreciated.

Thanks,

If you have limited building experience, it is easy to mess up the trim tab. Good luck

[Jonnyb]

The edge distance on some of the holes in SB 14-01-31 are REALLY tight. Be careful.

[N804RV]

Originally Posted by rkiefer2

...[*]Any rivet identification, dies <---> rivets <---> drill sizes, etc cheat sheets...

-Buy a #1-60 drill bit guage. This is one of my most used tools.

1. Not sure if that's a #30 or a #31 drill bit?
2. How much do I need to up-size a hole to substitute a CherryMax rivet?
3. I forgot which drill bit to use to final size that hole for an AN509.

- Buy "chuck-able" reamers for #30 #40 and #12. These will give you nicer holes when "final-drilling" pre-punched pieces.

Drill Bit Guage

#30 Reamer

[MIKE JG]

You might consider starting with something slightly easier than the horizontal stabilizer. I started with the rudder based on advise I got. The plans are written to have you start with the HS but if you read them and study them thoroughly ahead of time you can easily start with the rudder or even VS if you want.

Incorporating the SB for the front spar of the HS is a bit tricky and like someone mentioned there are a few holes that are right on the edge of what you can safely get away with. To me, had I started with this assembly I think my frustration and cuss word factor would have been a lot higher.

Based on your other post it sounds like your kit does not have the SB's incorporated into it already so take your time and ask questions.

Tool wise, I would agree the reamers and drill bit gauge are good things to have. You will also need a small torque wrench capable of being set to inch pounds as well as a needle type torque wrench to measure the torque drag on the nuts that attach the elevator hinge.

There are instructions written on the construction drawings as well as the plans themselves. Make sure you highlight any build instructions that are on the drawings. Easy to miss those and have to redo a section.

I'm finishing the HS now. My build log below may be of help to you.

[JeremyL]

Feel free to check out my build log, never know it may answer a question you have or shed light on something. Also I’m in the fabricate riblet camp for the trim tab.