Aft Fuselage Feedback

[dwollen89]

I’m just looking for some feedback. I recently completed the aft fuselage for a 7A and without a doubt, the tailcone area was the most challenging part of my almost 3 year build. I spent 3 weeks trying to get this area right. Im very frustrated with the end result. The issues are that when I riveted the two aft bulkheads, the skins became deformed and indented at the rivet lines. I don’t know exactly why this happened. Guessing I may not have bent the flanges quite enough or we got a little overzealous with the 1 inch mushroom set during riveting. When I lay a straight edge along this area, it’s pretty ugly. I’m considering either trying to replace both side skins or rebuilding it with new parts.

 

[PhatRV]

Where are the top longerons? If the RV7 is like the RV8, the longerons remain on the canoe as you rivet. I don't see it in the picture. In the RV8, the instruction was to partially rivet the longerons to the canoe as you finish riveting.

 

[CoolDadTed]

I concur that the tailcone was one of the most frustrating parts of my RV-7 build up to that point. Just my opinion, but that doesn't look too bad to me. I would build on.

I spent a lot of time tweaking the flanges on those rear bulkheads to try to get them completely straight and flush. In the end, it was less than perfect.

PhatRV, the instructions say not to rivet the skins above the top j-channel. This allows the longerons to be easily inserted later.

-Ted

 

[idubrov]

Mine is much worse, I think, this area around F-711 bulkhead was a major pain. The deepest indent I have is ~3/32". Builder's support said that structurally it is of no concern, but fit could be improved with shims.

Seems like many builders had fitting issues with that bulkhead specifically.

 

[Ralph Inkster]

The double flanges on the back 2 bulkheads are the culprits, looks the same on most builds. Remember the horizontal stabilizer covers up that area & you will forget it’s even there.
Build on!

 

[scnovinger]

I’m just looking for some feedback. I recently completed the aft fuselage for a 7A and without a doubt, the tailcone area was the most challenging part of my almost 3 year build. I spent 3 weeks trying to get this area right. Im very frustrated with the end result. The issues are that when I riveted the two aft bulkheads, the skins became deformed and indented at the rivet lines. I don’t know exactly why this happened. Guessing I may not have bent the flanges quite enough or we got a little overzealous with the 1 inch mushroom set during riveting. When I lay a straight edge along this area, it’s pretty ugly. I’m considering either trying to replace both side skins or rebuilding it with new parts.

Don’t forget the diagonal stiffeners just below each inspection plate opening. This might be a good time to add these while you have decent access to this area. These were added to reinforce this area against the skin buckling due to less than perfect landings.

 

[CoolDadTed]

Don’t forget the diagonal stiffeners just below each inspection plate opening. This might be a good time to add these while you have decent access to this area. These were added to reinforce this area against the skin buckling due to less than perfect landings.

That service letter is only for tailwheel aircraft. No need on OP's 7-A.

 

[dwollen89]

Where are the top longerons? If the RV7 is like the RV8, the longerons remain on the canoe as you rivet. I don't see it in the picture. In the RV8, the instruction was to partially rivet the longerons to the canoe as you finish riveting.

The 8 must be different. On the 7, longerons don’t get installed until later in the build.

 

[dwollen89]

Mine is much worse, I think, this area around F-711 bulkhead was a major pain. The deepest indent I have is ~3/32". Builder's support said that structurally it is of no concern, but fit could be improved with shims.

Seems like many builders had fitting issues with that bulkhead specifically.

Thanks for the reply! It’s nice to know I’m not the only one that had trouble here. I’m thinking about shimming the area, but just not sure if the juice is worth the squeeze.

 

[JeremyL]

Those don’t look bad at all from what I’ve seen including my own. My vote is no worries and build on.