Can I delay the bottom skins?

cstanley · #1 05-27-2007, 05:44 PM

I'm about to tackle the fuel tanks on my slow build wing kit. Once I"m done with that, I'm supposed to put the bottom skins on. Why wouldn't I want to do that AFTER installing all the flight controls and the AP? Seems it would be so much easier.

Larco · #2 05-27-2007, 06:22 PM

It's the last thing I do on the side by side, install the bottom skins. A couple of friends doing a 10 did the same thing. Larry

dmaib · #3 05-27-2007, 07:13 PM

I don't know for sure since I am not quite to that point, but I think I read that riveting the bottom skins on with the control tubes in place is very difficult. Tubes must get in the way of bucking.

Deems Davis · #4 05-27-2007, 10:10 PM

Go ahead and install as much as you can while the wing is open. Riveting the bottom skins is a "fun" exercise ! But having the push tubes, or other items, in place does not add to or cause a problem. Here's my experience http://deemsrv10.com/bottomwingskinlogindex.html

eric.kallio · #5 05-28-2007, 06:46 AM

I am riveting the skins now. What I did was to complete the aileron actuation section and set the control tube lengths, with the skins off. I also went ahead and paid the $50 or so and purchased the autopilot attachment hardware and installed it. Now I am riveting the skins on and then will install the tubes again and verify the rigging. All that would be left then is to install the servo at a later time.
Eric

TSwezey · #6 05-28-2007, 10:12 AM

I put the servo in before I buttoned it up. I delayed putting the bottom skins on for two years. I wanted to make sure I had everything figured out before installing them. I did take out the control tubes since they are fairly easy to install.

cstanley · #7 06-09-2007, 03:03 PM

THANK YOU!!! All your responses enable me to move on w/out worrying.