Shawn's -4 re-build

[ShawnR]

Hi all

In a couple of other threads, I started asking questions about RV-4's before I bought one, then found one that was complete and flying, with a 180 hp in it, which was appealing. It was not so nice that I would be afraid to take things apart and start making changes. I need to learn about how these are built, and update it to what I might want (not sure what that is yet, but that will be part of the journey).

Happy to say that I received my new ride last week. I will need to get checked out for insurance and it needs those rear rudder pedals I mentioned in other threads. Since our flying season is almost over, I won't be airborne in it again this year. The seller did take me up when he first brought it here for me to see. As much as I have been in other RV's, I think I might have had the RV grin for the first time when I realized I might actually own one one day.

This thread was the start of my questions, in case some of you feel like we discussed this before, but now I think I will put updates to the rebuild process into this thread here to avoid a bunch of random threads going with my many questions that I anticipate.

I will be looking forward to input from those of you with experience in owning, building and or flying them. The plane first flew in 1984 so if I understand correctly, there will be a few updates that I can do. As I sat in it, looking around for ideas and changes that I might make, I felt overwhelmed with the idea of starting one from scratch! My hat is off to those of you with the focus and determination to do so. I view my plane as an ultimate fast build. It has flown with 500 hours, so tested, yet will need some updates and parts possibly redone to make it nice(r). I am hoping to have it airborne in the spring. Up here in Northern Canada, there is not a lot of flying off of grass strips anyways in the winter, so it will be a good time to get er done.

Attached is a few photos to give you an idea of what I am working with. I have always liked fixing up old stuff so will see what I can do with a homebuilt aircraft. I am not expecting to make it into a show plane, but do want something I am proud of. I think there is a lot of (enjoyable) work ahead of me.

Cheers all,

Shawn

[Dan 57]

Congrats on your acquisition!

Wishing you the best to make it yours, did the same on my present mount... it is rewarding as well, and well quicker than building
Running thru all the bulletins on Vans support page is a first step. Some of the updates are mandatory, others not.

Out of experience, assuming the instrumental panel is also targeted, plan enough time... I only wanted to exchange a couple of instruments on my previous non-RV homebuilt, and the result was nearly rewiring the entire plane. Good thing those Canadian Winters last...

PS
Guess a nice spinner is on the list

[ShawnR]

HaHa...yes, winters can be long but today is supposed to be 18 C so it has not started yet.

Yes, spinner. As for rewiring, that is my intent anyways. I am comfortable with the electronics end (mostly) as my background is that. I am looking forward to that part.

Most of the instruments are coming out.

I thought I would post this to generate some input, and to add to great input I have already learned from other threads and personal conversations.

I initially planned/wanted a full glass panel. A quote I received even for a basic VFR GP was pretty much what I paid for the plane. Seeing as it is a fixer upper, and my first RV, I started downgrading my want list. I am now planning (open to amendments though) on keeping only the altimeter, airspeed and gmeter. Installing an AV30 (possibly 2), JPI EDM350 and using an ipad mini/forefllight to supplement (in a docking station).

[Snowflake]

Looks like no matter how much fixing up you do, it will always look a little "RUF".

Congratulations on the new bird, and have fun modifying. That's what i've been doing to my -6 and it's been a lot of fun.

[Dan 57]

A quote I received even for a basic VFR GP was pretty much what I paid for the plane.

I think you can still go pretty cheap using glass:
- I upgraded my steed with 2 experimental Garmin G5s, and those were pretty cheap methinks. Of course, adding my GNX375 upped the total price of my avionics...
- we just finished upgrading the RV-8 with dual GRTs, and also here, good results at an affordable price
- and yes, those moving maps on whatever tablet are amazing and affordable. My own everyday use iPad mini has been providing me, but for some hot weather in Nevada (despite the cooling cradle), with very good and reliable flight planning, weather and navigation data

[ShawnR]

That is the plan. I was thinking 2 G5's originally, then was chatting with a couple of guys that use the AV30. I like it a little better. Toying with one right now with space for a second but will evaluate after I get a better look at the rest of the plane.

I drained the fuel, disconnected the controls and have all of the nuts off the wing bolts. I think I am ready to try to get the wings off. We had a great weather day yesterday, working outside in less than a t-shirt . The next few days, more seasonal weather starts but at least I won't be crunched up in a freezing aircraft trying to hold cold wrenches and sockets.

Should I anticipate a battle to get the wings off? I am thinking that they slide straight out but cannot imagine that after 37 years in there, they will "just slide out". I also think that there will not be much "wiggle" to work with. Any tips here?

[Dan 57]

Should I anticipate a battle to get the wings off?

well, others might disagree, but yes, one normally battles... it's not the pulling out of the wings per se, but getting all the bolts out. The close tolerance ones have to hold pretty good, and they usually do... also I sure would install new ones when time comes to reassemble.

So, you might need a hefty hammer and some solid brass punches. Mark the joining plates position before removal.. they is usually some light engraving markings that were made by Vans or whoever was manufacturing those, but it is usually difficult to find and see.
Clamp the multiple layer spar together when removing the last bolts, and be sure to keep the wing aligned as installed until ready to pull it out. Tilting or changing its position, and then taking the bolts out, might damage the holes in the spar.

It can be done solo as I did during the build, and a few roller trestle with some wood planks protesting the wing is one way to do it. But the easier way would be to get at least another pair of hands.

Good luck, and looking forward to read your report

[JGT]

Make sure you make the panel modular for easy access behind !!

[rv7guy2]

Congrats Shawn and welcome to the great world of RV flying. Come on down to Stratford CYSA, someday for a coffee. Maybe join the Windsor RVaviators Facebook group which is dedicated to RV flying here in Southwestern Ontario. Weather has been great and we continue to fly. Larger engine air dams.,oil cooler baffle , engine preheat, and ticker socks keep my -7 in the air many times well into December and sometimes past Christmas!

[swjohnsey]

Originally Posted by ShawnR

That is the plan. I was thinking 2 G5's originally, then was chatting with a couple of guys that use the AV30. I like it a little better. Toying with one right now with space for a second but will evaluate after I get a better look at the rest of the plane.

I drained the fuel, disconnected the controls and have all of the nuts off the wing bolts. I think I am ready to try to get the wings off. We had a great weather day yesterday, working outside in less than a t-shirt . The next few days, more seasonal weather starts but at least I won't be crunched up in a freezing aircraft trying to hold cold wrenches and sockets.

Should I anticipate a battle to get the wings off? I am thinking that they slide straight out but cannot imagine that after 37 years in there, they will "just slide out". I also think that there will not be much "wiggle" to work with. Any tips here?

I've had G5s and AV-30. Like the AV-30 better.