RV-9A, SoCal - Page 9

rightrudder · #81 06-10-2014, 03:55 PM

Right elevator coming along, nearing final assembly. Holes in skin for spar are really tough to access with C-frame for dimpling, so I'm using the Avery pop-rivet dimpler, which works fantastic on this thin aluminum sheet. I'm going to go with a combination of solid and pull rivets along the bottom, as my squeezer yoke will reach maybe 5-6 rivets through each hinge point.

In other exciting news, my QB fuselage has arrived in Aurora! They're a little behind on the crating, so I should have it within a month---which I'm hoping is the perfect window to finish the elevators. Time to take a deep breath and write a big check.

rightrudder · #82 06-12-2014, 09:42 AM

Aargh! The blind riveting of the top elevator skin to spar is a challenge, to put it mildly. Just when you think you've got a handle on this riveting thing, Van's throws you a new challenge. Got 'er done, with a crazy spider web of Gorilla tape holding the skin open for access. I was able to squeeze more rivets than I thought with my 3" yoke, but with the mushroom set I put a few more beauty marks in the skin, but nothing to lose sleep over.

I also experimented with some two-part SuperFill epoxy filler that I'll use in just a few places for the most noticeable dings. I practiced on a scrap piece of sheet aluminum…whacked it with a hammer to make a proper ding, sanded, applied the filler (which is an interesting Smurf Blue color). Adhesion is fantastic, and after it set up I could flex the aluminum quite a bit without cracking. I found that I need to go with a couple thin applications rather than one thick one, to keep the sanding to a minimum.

Onward!! [cue Apocalypse Now theme]

rightrudder · #83 06-27-2014, 10:08 AM

Some more progress…getting close to finishing the empennage. Trailing edges are all turning out nice and straight, and I'm really getting the hang of "rolling" the rivet gun on the double-flush rivets from the initial set to finishing perpendicular to the skin.

Trim tab bends turned out well. Even though I used maple bending blocks and carpet tape, the whole assembly still moves around somewhat while clamped, so there were lots of small readjustments in the process.

I'm of the "remove the blue film early" camp, so finished elevators show lots of tiny scratches. Primer and paint will fix that!

Trim tab is currently in the clothespin clamp blocks to make sure the gray glop sets up fully on the foam ribs. Almost time to tackle the fiberglass tips.

krw5927 · #84 06-27-2014, 11:45 AM

Those are some nice looking trailing edge rivets and the trim tab bends look great! Sure wish my first two trim tabs had come out that nicely!

rightrudder · #85 06-27-2014, 12:04 PM

Thanks! I am profiting greatly from those who have done it before. I think I've read about eight different builder's logs to decide on the proper technique.

bruceh · #86 06-27-2014, 12:56 PM

Looking good! Keep at it and you'll be done sooner than you think.

rightrudder · #87 06-27-2014, 02:09 PM

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I called Van's today?my check cleared, and it looks like I will have two very large crates (QB fuse and wings) in about two weeks!

rightrudder · #88 07-03-2014, 11:09 AM

Got the trim tab hinged & mounted, and I'm pleased with the gap…4/32" To bend the second 90-degree bend in the hinge rod, I had to get creative….drilled a hole through the workbench to accept the rod so I could get the right orientation in the jaws of the vise. I used the propane torch/hammer method for the bends, and they turned out crisp!

Question…the last two photos show the inboard lead counterweight (right elevator) in relation to the edge of horizontal stab. Does the counterweight need to be absolutely flush with the counterweight arm? It protrudes by about 1.5 mm, but still has about 3 mm clearance to edge of stab. I figure I could either machine it down to be flush, or bevel the ends a bit.

Dbro172 · #89 07-03-2014, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rightrudder

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I called Van's today?my check cleared, and it looks like I will have two very large crates (QB fuse and wings) in about two weeks!

at your pace you better start looking into instrument panels!

rightrudder · #90 07-03-2014, 09:26 PM

Hey Derek,

Oh, I've been looking..and looking?

The plan is a 2-year build, which I think is doable with the QB fuse and wings. I ordered Van's wiring harness, and finished the elevator trim servo install tonight. Works great! I've got the manual aileron trim ordered for the fuse, but I may have to change that.