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  #31  
Old 06-26-2012, 06:26 PM
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rvbuilder2002 rvbuilder2002 is offline
 
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Location: Hubbard Oregon
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tobinbasford View Post
This is not entirely accurate. Not only have I seen other QB's from the factory with the plastic still on (other than the rivet lines), but my QB (Fuse and wings) also came to me with the blue plastic still on. Maybe they've recently changed the process.

[ed. You could be 100% right, Tobin. It could be a process that changed awhile back. dr]
Another vendor that did leave the blue plastic on was used for a couple years.

That ended probably 8-10 years ago.
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  #32  
Old 06-26-2012, 06:39 PM
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rvbuilder2002 rvbuilder2002 is offline
 
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Originally Posted by grayforge View Post
I just spoke with Daryl. Sounds like a really reasonable guy.

They had me in their system 3 ways: My builder number was associated with my last name w/a space in it, plus I had 2 entries as a non builder. Maybe from online store orders that didn't match up to my builder number. So I think they have me consolidated as one person now. :-)

Daryl is going to discuss my wing issue with the other experts there and decide on possible courses of action.

Options we discussed were:
  • Replacing the wing (though I have some work into it already: Landing Light, Conduit run, Flap Brace, Aileron Hinges & Fairing, etc.)
  • Have them take the wing back to Aurora when they pass through my area on the way to Arlington and have their guys polish the scratches out if they aren't too deep.
  • Pick up the wing as above and have their staff professionally drill out the skin rivets and replace the skin... pending some investigation on the feasibility of this.

I'm kinda leaning towards the latter as long as I can be sure the wing will be just as strong with all those rivets drilled out & replaced.

So I feel confident we'll find a positive solution.
Corrections range from replacing a major component (wing in your case) to sending new parts (in cases where it is a very easy correction for the builder to do), and everything in between.
The main issue is that the office people couldn't do anything until they were contacted about the problem (why is it that a post on VAF is always the first action?)

BTW... the proper skin replacement process (the one used at Van's Factory at least), is to remove rivet manufactured heads, the skin, then remove the rivets from the substructure. The rivets aren't (and shouldn't ever be) drilled out by drilling though the entire length of the rivet to remove it. Even an experienced pro. can't do it 100% perfect and not damage/enlarge some of the holes
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  #33  
Old 06-26-2012, 09:17 PM
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Buggsy2 Buggsy2 is offline
 
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The question remains, how did these pass "inspection" at Vans Aircraft in Aurora? Just what does that "inspection" really mean? Did Vans notice these cuts, decide they were easily rectified by the builder, and pass it on? If so, why not recommend that now to the QB buyer? Or, did Vans ever see the cuts? I hope the OP will keep posting updates as he gets more info.

Again, QB buyers pay a hefty premium for what is supposed to be additional, properly done work on the build. If the QB builders in the PI are not doing the most basic things right, and Vans not catching those basic errors, it casts doubt on the entire QB process.

In other words, as a QB buyer myself--who is still very happy with his QB build--this problem affects more than just one guy. It raises unpleasant doubts for all using a QB as our build.
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  #34  
Old 06-26-2012, 09:24 PM
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L.Adamson L.Adamson is offline
 
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Before I HEAR anymore................I'd sure like to know if the scratches are any deeper, than the scotchbrite/soap scrubbing........we give these planes before painting...

If not, it just doesn't really matter, unless of course..........it's one of those 10 years too paint jobs, or a polish weekly.. bare skin job.
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  #35  
Old 06-26-2012, 11:32 PM
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rvbuilder2002,
The reason I posted on VAF first was to get a feel for what I should expect (and accept) in response to something like this.

I imagined anything from "No problem, we'll send you a new skin, all you have to do is remove the damaged one and install the new one." to... "We got it handled, we'll have a new wing to you by next week and they'll pick up the old one at the same time."

The response I received from Vans is a breath of fresh air compared to the customer service I get from my cable and wireless companies :-)

L.Adamson,
A scratch caused by lightly dragging the corner of a file over the skin could be buffed out with a scotch-brite pad. This is like someone dragged the file edge across the skin with some force. One could buff them out with a scotch-brite wheel... probably not feasible with a scotch-brite pad.
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  #36  
Old 06-27-2012, 01:05 AM
JurgenRoeland JurgenRoeland is offline
 
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It looks to me like somebody in the Philipines is about to get fired
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  #37  
Old 06-27-2012, 06:22 AM
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Default USA...slightly off topic

I am not yet a builder...that being said, it looks like the QB is about +$10K, leave $2K for Vans, those who have done slow builds of the matched hole kits, do you think there are properly skilled workers in the USA (maybe even just people who love to build and want a retirement job) who would do the labor for $8K?

I am just curious. Is it even in the realm of possibility to find Americans to do this? I am planning a slow build because of where QB's are built and you guys make it sound "not that bad"?
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  #38  
Old 06-27-2012, 06:53 AM
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L.Adamson L.Adamson is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by grayforge View Post
rvbuilder2002,
A scratch caused by lightly dragging the corner of a file over the skin could be buffed out with a scotch-brite pad. This is like someone dragged the file edge across the skin with some force. One could buff them out with a scotch-brite wheel... probably not feasible with a scotch-brite pad.
Then, it's going deeper than I'd want. I would want a replacement. The pad/wash is just what would be done anyway.

L.Adamson
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  #39  
Old 06-27-2012, 06:54 AM
David-aviator David-aviator is offline
 
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Russ,

Maybe I missed it, but did you buy this QB wing kit from Vans or is it second ownership?

The QB wings I bought for the -7 in 2002 came from Vans with the bottom skins not installed, this is done by the builder. It would appear the issue of the box cutter marks was not created by Vans but by whoever installed the bottom skins.

Vans takes enough heat on stuff as is, I don't think this issue should be laid on their plate except how to fix it - if it can be fixed.

I had a tour of the Aurora operation last November and am reasonably certain all the QB kits stored in the facility -wings and fuselage kits - had no blue plastic on them. I know for sure the wings I bought had no plastic and later in a rebuild of a wrecked fuselage with a QB off their shelf, it too had no plastic.

This thread needs reigning in and clarifying so as not unfairly damage the reputation of the RV factory.
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  #40  
Old 06-27-2012, 07:09 AM
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n5lp n5lp is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David-aviator View Post
Russ,

Maybe I missed it, but did you buy this QB wing kit from Vans or is it second ownership?...
You're right, you missed it.


Quote:
Originally Posted by grayforge View Post
Hi folks,

Thanks for all the terrific feedback! More info:

These are QuickBuild wings purchased directly from Vans. The skins shown are the inboard lower skins. The lower outboard skins are the ones QuickBuild builders install themselves.

The wings came from Vans clean of blue film, but as you can see, the QB factory must have cut the strips away during construction, then removed the remainder of the film before shipping to Vans...
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