SB 01-31-14 Completed.

RV8iator · #1 02-12-2014, 08:07 PM

Well, it's done. Jon Thocker at Redlne cmpleted this SB today.

I didn't build my plane, but I've put two engines on it, swapped frm FP to CS prop, rewired the whole plane, upgraded from steam to glass, installed new radios, etc. I'm not afraid to jump in and do things.

I WOULDNT TOUCH THIS PROJECT BY MYSELF WITH A TEN FOOT POLE!

It's just a pretty big project and IF you have the tools and the metal skills you can do it. I don't.

My recommendation for what it's worth Is to let someone with the skill do it. Lots of ways to mess something up.

It looks extremely strong back there now. Like a Navion tail..

tcone1 · #2 02-12-2014, 08:17 PM

This post is worthless without pictures Widget.

RV8iator · #3 02-12-2014, 08:21 PM

I'll get some. I'm on the road with iPad and a blizzard at home.

tracy · #4 02-12-2014, 08:43 PM

What did it cost?

FLTENG · #5 02-12-2014, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV8iator

I'll get some. I'm on the road with iPad and a blizzard at home.

Blizzard at home you say......that new jacket will come in very handy then!

bret · #6 02-13-2014, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV8iator

Well, it's done. Jon Thocker at Redlne cmpleted this SB today.

I didn't build my plane, but I've put two engines on it, swapped frm FP to CS prop, rewired the whole plane, upgraded from steam to glass, installed new radios, etc. I'm not afraid to jump in and do things.

I WOULDNT TOUCH THIS PROJECT BY MYSELF WITH A TEN FOOT POLE!

It's just a pretty big project and IF you have the tools and the metal skills you can do it. I don't.

My recommendation for what it's worth Is to let someone with the skill do it. Lots of ways to mess something up.

It looks extremely strong back there now. Like a Navion tail..

You don't need a ten foot pole, just a 12 in drill bit

and a couple other things. If you built one of these you you have probably drilled out a few rivets, or a lot more than a few like me, not that hard a job. Walt and Scott have a couple threads on drilling out rivets. Now quit scaring the nice folks out there

airmel · #7 02-13-2014, 07:28 AM

Yes, I'm working on the SB for the HS now... stopped only by the ice & snow. I used a burr on a dremel and just took the heads off the rivets on the main rib flange that gets cut off anyway. I just could not get a drill bit square on them. I haven't gotten to the rivets up inside yet...

but I suppose the right angle drill should work!

RV8iator · #8 02-14-2014, 02:25 PM

I'm not trying to scare anyone here. Just my observations as someone that did not build my plane, but have a lot of experience working on it.

OK,

We started by removing the tail feathers. Total time with 2 people working on it was just a bit over an hour.

Next, the rivets holding the forward and rear ribs were removed and out came the ribs

Next, the rivets in the spar web holding the large angles came out. This was pretty straight forward since they had the manufactured head on the aft side of the spar. This is more difficult and time consuming if the manufactured heads are on the forward side of the spar.

Angles removed, dressed and cut as per SB.

Kit parts and ready to begin installation.

Fitting and drilling of the spar doublers. Proper tools once again make this easier.

Attach angles prefitting. Also, the doublers have to be positions to line up the prebent angle, check to make sure there's adequate spacing for the vertical stab attach points. Not hard but time consuming.

Some assembly required..

Badger and Bruce made this cradle to hold the stab upright so one person could work without having a second person always hold the stab. This was a really important thing to have as it steadied the stab and held if firmly in place while drilling and riveting.

continued in part 2 of this post..

RV8iator · #9 02-14-2014, 02:26 PM

Doublers riveted in, skin trimmed and rounded, forward edge of rear rib trimmed and doubling angle made and drilled, all being fitted for riveting.

Rear ribs riveted in now installing forward ribs. Note how robust the fix looks compared to the original.

Fitting it all back together. This started to process of reinstalling everything. Trim cables if you have manual trim as I do, spaces for HS, etc. Again not hard, just tedious getting all the nuts and bolts back in and torqued, push rods etc.

Almost back where we started.

Once again, I'm not trying to scare anyone, or claim to know alot about this.

It took slightly over 20 man hours to do this. Jon certainly has the knowledge and skills to make this look simple. Still, with all the right tools and knowledge it took him 20 hours to do.

That's the whole point of my opening post.

kblack · #10 02-14-2014, 02:42 PM

Thanks for posting the detailed steps with pictures, Widget. Makes it a lot easier to understand just what to expect. After reading through the SB, I had guessed it would take me about 40 hours on the -6 I bought last fall - if I have to make the repair. Probably about right, since I lack the skills and experience of someone like Jon. All in all, not too bad.