When I built my RV-4 fuselage I bolted on the HS:s attachment bracket. Now, when I tried to mount the HS I had to remove the bracket, rivet it to the HS and then bolt the HS back on. The thing is that I cannot get my hand down inside the fuselage to hold the nuts while I undo the bracket bolts. I'd like to use a wrench which would make it even harder. I could remove the elevator push rod but it still seems impossible. If it can't be done maybe I could drill and ream five of the nine rivet holes and bolt the bracket to the HS.
How is it done?
Hans,
I'm quite familiar with the -4 and the building process, having finished a -4 in 1988. That a/c was sold in 2003. I now own another -4 that I assisted in building in the early 1990s, that I purchased from a friends estate in 2008 after he died. Just one year ago I removed the empennage and turtledeck then changed it to a fastback, using parts from the Harmon Rocket. Of course I had to install a modified Harmon Rocket canopy also.
Your photo leaves me a little confused. It seems that you may have gotten a little ahead of yourself. It also appears the turtledeck skin extends past bulkhead 410, when the turtledeck skin normally ends pretty well flush with the flange of the 410 bulkhead.
I would drop the elevator push rod, if that is interfering with your access. You could also change all the rivet holes, enlarge them to a #12 holes and use #10 bolts in place of rivets, if the attachment of the bolts is possible as far as access to nuts.
You better hurry and finish that airplane because they are great aircraft and you don't want to miss the enjoyment for much longer.
Lots of luck. If you have any specific questions you can also PM too.
Jake Thiessen
Independence, OR