Trouble Fitting Wings on RV-7A

UnPossible · #1 03-14-2010, 01:00 PM

Hey - the big day to insert the wings for the first time is here, and I'm having some troubles. When inserting both wings, I can't get the rear spar of the wing to go inbetween the two spars coming out of the fuselage.

As you can see in the pictures below, in both cases, the rear wing spar appears to be ~1/16 to 1/8" too far to the rear to fit into the slot. My dad and I fought it for nearly an hour before we gave up.... I have to be doing something wrong. Does anyone else have any suggestions as to how I can get the wings to mate with the fuselage (besides buying them a bottle of wine)?

Thanks,
Jason

Right Wing

Left Wing

lorne green · #2 03-14-2010, 01:11 PM

As I've had my wings on and off, and on and off the past few weeks, Here's my hints. As the rear spar meets the twin attach bracket,
I used a large stotted screwdriver to separate the spacing bewteen two brackets. I've had to do this each time I've installed both wings (quick build)
Regards

Mel · #3 03-14-2010, 01:29 PM

From the pictures, it appears that you have the wings angled at a slight forward sweep. Try sweeping the wings slightly aft and inserting the aft spar first.

Also you might try inserting a spacer between the spar carry-through slightly increasing the space.

Kyle Boatright · #4 03-14-2010, 01:31 PM

As Mel <sorta> pointed out, you have to slide the wings straight in. Any angularity will cause the problem you see.

I lost a night of sleep back in the day wondering why one of my -6 wings just wouldn't fit. The next evening, it slid right in.

VETE76 · #5 03-14-2010, 01:45 PM

[quote=Mel;413991]From the pictures, it appears that you have the wings angled at a slight forward sweep. Try sweeping the wings slightly aft and inserting the aft spar first.

i agree, happened to me. straightened wing and they popped right in.

AltonD · #6 03-14-2010, 02:20 PM

Slotted screw driver, spread the rear spar just a little. Also, make sure your rear spar on the wing has been trimmed up per the drawing (38 I think).

BE REAL CAREFUL TO CLEAR THE BOTTOM FUSE OR YOU WILL BEND UP THE SKINS.

Pat Stewart · #7 03-14-2010, 04:21 PM

I have built 3 RV's and helped put wings on a dozen others. A slotted screwdriver and a very slight opening of the rear spar was required on every one. Just the tolerence stack up at work, no big deal.

Pat Stewart

Bavafa · #8 03-14-2010, 06:08 PM

It also appears that you have not trim the rear spar on the wing yet. You need to trim some based on the measurement in the drawing. Once you trim it, if not already, it helps the wing swing back ward a bit more and fit easier into the slot.

Good luck

UnPossible · #9 03-14-2010, 06:18 PM

Well the slotted screwdriver did the trick. The wings are in and I have four hardware store bolt in on each side...... on to drilling the incidence.

Thanks again for your suggestions.

Jason

Lionclaw · #10 03-14-2010, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bavafa

It also appears that you have not trim the rear spar on the wing yet. You need to trim some based on the measurement in the drawing. Once you trim it, if not already, it helps the wing swing back ward a bit more and fit easier into the slot.

Good luck

^^^ Definately make sure this is done before you drill the rear spar attach points. I'd get some plumb-bobs off the front of the wings on a chalk or laser line as well to make sure the wings are in straight. On the 9A, the instructions also had me measure wing-tips to tail to check for equal distances. Once the rear spars are drilled there aren't any do-overs!