Four is more...
Hi gang, an old friend asked me to go with him to look at a RV-4 that is for sale. Other than overall build quality, is there anything specific on the 4 to look for?
A few things that I will check are the horizontal stab attachment bolt holes, the rear wing spar bolt holes. I’ve made a list of the service bulletins that apply to check for compliance.
Somewhere I read that the firewall may wrinkle? If so, would that be above the gear legs?
As a 6A builder, any guidance would be appreciated.
Terry
Terry,
As a 6A builder the Four will be an “easy peasy” inspection.
I am a
Jurassic Four builder, having began cobbling mine together while Reagan was president! Van actually answered the phone in N.Plains back then. Times as they say, have changed...
Over the years, here are a few items I have noticed.
1.Short gear socket fillets cracking. Check landing gear attach socket fillets for cracks, use a bright light and mirror to see back edge.Newer long gear sockets were improved but should still be inspected.
2. Firewall cracks/wrinkles: The firewall as you know isn’t structural but can and will have cracks emanating from the corners. Stop drilling is satisfactory as well as some guys rubbing silicone into the crack to seal it from fumes. Wrinkles are more common these days and again while not structural you want to look at the longer-ons behind them for damage. While there see if it has the heavy weld-ments installed.
3. Aileron bellcrank mount bracket cracks. Like the -6, I have found cracks on these and they are easily missed on inspections as they are hard to see. A long handle inspection mirror and bright light help.
4. .016 Rudder and elevator cracks. As mentioned above however my “Bandit” has these and at 25 years young they are still crack free. Stop drilling, 020 skins and structural epoxy notwithstanding, the lower rudder and inboard trailing edges are more prone.
5. HS attach bolt mount and spar cracks. Look carefully at both spots while looking at the aft fuselage.
Hope this helps, email me off line with questions!
V/R
Smokey
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