Progress...?
Well, I think, thanks to a member who sent me a whole bunch of various weldment photos (old, new, modifications, etc) as well as other information, that I can rest a bit on my weldments concerns. He also pointed me to several links, and a google search by me, found more threads on this issue. Obviously, these weldments and the stess point there are a concern for RV4 flyers, and, since I already have a sign of some hard landings, (albeit the only sign is one bent leg) and I will be a new tailwheel flyer, off of a grass strip, I am hoping to make it idiot proof (if such a thing exists in flying...)
Here is what I have been struggling with (aka losing sleep).
After noting the bend in the right gear leg, I have gone over and over the weldments, looking for a crack or bends, etc. I said to myself yesterday that I was almost willing a crack into them! I cannot see anything. I think I will apply paint stripper to them to further check. But I also think that a break in the light blue paint could be more evident than a black crack in a black piece of steel. But....
My plane was first flown in 1985, and, I believe, if I understand correctly, that any mods to the weldments came well after that. A member in the past, here in this forum, did comment that "I have the new ones" but of course, with no note in the log book, I still denied it. (I may be a pessimist sometimes) But, with side by side photos, of the "old style" and "new style", I have decided that I do indeed have the "new style". I probably just have my timelines confused as to when they became available. Or repairs/changes were done and not documented. (Aside, annuals were often documented as "Annual complete", so documentation was not a huge part of the builders practice. The seller to me, however, did great entries! Now, to decide if they "need" the extra gusset plates added and/or if the piece of mind is worth it.....
The engine mount is out for magnaflux inspection. If it comes back good, then there is one wear spot I will address, and then start painting and reassembly. Woo Woo!