New Service Bulletin 00053

[FlyingDiver]

Originally Posted by rv9builder

I guess it's a good thing I haven't attached the tail cone yet. I have the finished tail cone sitting on a stand in my garage. However, I think I might be less likely to cause any damage by putting some padding on the floor and then performing the service bulletin with the tail cone to the floor. Any thoughts?

That's exactly what I was thinking. Mine is sitting on sawhorses right now, while waiting for wing kits.

I think I'm going to drill out the skin rivets from below, then put it on the floor on a layer of padding, then crawl in and make the fix. I don't think I'll need the plywood if it's on the floor that way.

Just placed the order for the service kit...

joe

[mturnerb]

Originally Posted by rv9builder

I guess it's a good thing I haven't attached the tail cone yet. I have the finished tail cone sitting on a stand in my garage. However, I think I might be less likely to cause any damage by putting some padding on the floor and then performing the service bulletin with the tail cone to the floor. Any thoughts?

I wonder how hard it would be to support the tailcone vertically and stand inside to do the work?

[Tacco]

Originally Posted by Piper J3

Almost seems like a doubler plate could be added on outside of skin similar to triangle plates on bottom of aircraft near wing center section. Crack appears to be in the skin and not the bulkhead. Otherwise, I have to find a 10 year-old kid to crawl into tail cone...

I’m with you Jim. Why not just put three doublers on from the outside and be done with it, cracks evident or not.

[Brett H]

This Service Bulletin is another reason for delaying the final installation (i.e., glueing) of the rear window.

To assist me in crawling into the tailcone, I previously cut pieces of two inch thick extruded styrofoam to replace seat bottoms, cover the baggage area and fit into the tailcone between the bulkheads and stringers. It creates a more level surface to lay on.

Looks like I will be making more sections to go further back into the tailcone.

Brett H
RV-12, Installing the propeller
Columbus, IN

[rv9builder]

Originally Posted by mturnerb

I wonder how hard it would be to support the tailcone vertically and stand inside to do the work?

That's an interesting idea, Turner. The ceiling is too low to try this in my garage, but maybe the tail cone could be moved outside on a day when there isn't any wind!

[FlyingDiver]

Originally Posted by mturnerb

I wonder how hard it would be to support the tailcone vertically and stand inside to do the work?

Hmm. The skin isn't that strong on end, but maybe if I put some clamps on the longerons and stand it on those?

[Mel]

Originally Posted by rv9builder

That's an interesting idea, Turner. The ceiling is too low to try this in my garage, but maybe the tail cone could be moved outside on a day when there isn't any wind!

You obviously don't live in Texas!

[bobnoffs]

i would like to know a lot more about the failure and why the other bulkheads won't follow . from what i read so far i think i would use the gusset vans is supplying and use it for a model to make brackets for the other bulkheads. crawling back there once more is bad enough.

[RFSchaller]

Groan! Well I sure am glad I cut three 4” diameter inspection ports in my tail cone.

[c4c67b]

Here's the link, perhaps you can edit your first post to give context? https://www.vansaircraft.com/service...ions/sb-00053/