51%
I am sure someone else has much more in depth knowledge than me. The 51% rule is between the kit manufacture (Van's) and John Q public. For example:
John Q Public #1 buys kit from Van's and drives one rivet. Documents said driven rivet and sells kit to John Q public #2
John Q Public #2 drives two more rivets, Documents said driven rivets and sells kit to John Q public #3.
John Q Public #3 drives two more rivets, Documents said driven rivets and sells kit to John Q public #4.
John Q Public #4 drives two more rivets, Documents said driven rivets and sells kit to John Q public #5.
So on and so forth as long as 51% of the aircraft has been built by someone other than the kit manufacture, and Documented, the aircraft will be eligible for an air worthiness certificate. How EVER the Last builder may have difficulty getting the repairman's certificate, because that John Q Public does not necessarily have intimate knowledge of the enter aircraft. The repairman's certificate IS NOT necessary for the ownership, or operation of an Experimental Aircraft!
The repairman's certificate is different than Air worthiness. This is why you can buy a completed RV that has an air worthiness certificate even though it has never flown.
Some one jump in here