Model switch feasible at this point?

cjensen · #1 08-08-2006, 07:42 AM

I'm not actually seriously considering this at this point, because I don't think it can be done. I'm halfway through my wings, and if I'm planning a -7A (for argument's sake), is it even possible to switch to an -8A when ordering the fuse? I thought the wings were the same, and the tail is the same (maybe???). The center section is definitely different, but other than that, is it possible? The announcement at OSH for the matched hole -8 fuse is what got me thinking about this...

Not possible right? Tell me it's not, because that will make this go away quickly...

jcoloccia · #2 08-08-2006, 08:14 AM

As far as I can tell, all you have to do is build a new tail and get a new wing center section. This assumes you haven't trimed the rear wing spar yet since that's only done on the 7, not the 8. I haven't been able to find any other differences, but I could be wrong ya' know

Jamie · #3 08-08-2006, 08:20 AM

Well, since the center section you received with your wing kit is a matched set, I would say it probably isn't possible.

ww2planes · #4 08-08-2006, 08:29 AM

I talked to Vans when I ordered regarding the center section. They said that they have had to separate a number of wing kits from the center sections and they have not had any issues. Maybe the center section will not matter. The tail is a different story though. Good luck and remember it is hard to hold the hand of a significant other in a 8.

mlw450802 · #5 08-08-2006, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamie

Well, since the center section you received with your wing kit is a matched set, I would say it probably isn't possible.

The sets are indeed match drilled but it is done using the same CNC program from part to part. I have heard (no first hand info) that people have rebuilt wings using new spars and have had little or no problems mating them to the center section.
-mike

cjensen · #6 08-08-2006, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ww2planes

Good luck and remember it is hard to hold the hand of a significant other in a 8.

That's the other thing that will probably shoot this idea down if none of the others do...haven't told her I'm having these thoughts yet. We just had the talk last night about nosewheel or tailwheel for the -7.

I don't really want to build another tail, so this all may be moot.

TShort · #7 08-08-2006, 09:05 AM

Taildragger!
Sorry, had to get that out.

The only differences in the tail on the -8 are the HS and the rudder (based on my reading of the plans). Your elevators and VS should be fine. I bet you could bang out a new HS and a new rudder in less than a week.

Not sure if that helps ...

T.

Will Womack · #8 08-08-2006, 09:07 AM

I didn't realize the tail was different for the -8. NONE of the tail sub assys are the same???

Captain_John · #9 08-08-2006, 09:24 AM

The HS skins on the -8 are narrower at the fuse attach point and the rudder is a folded trailing edge (depending).

Chad!!! FOCUS!!!

You need to FOCUS on the plane you are building!!! Get a VISION!!! This is a creation of your aviation dream! Make it how YOU want it!

CJ

RV7Guy · #10 08-08-2006, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjensen

Not possible right? Tell me it's not, because that will make this go away quickly...

Chad,

Is it time for another INTERVENTION? We just got you liberated from the thoughts of using a Subaru, now this. Remember the boss may have some thought on this!!!!! The 7 will serve you fine.