Had some fun working on the static system needs this weekend.
I had bought the SafeAir1 system AGES ago, so figured I’d stick with it…ish.
After reading all the threads on the static errors seen with ports that weren’t the “Vans standard” SD-42-BSLF rivet, I went a “hybrid” route.
Simply put, I filed down the nubbin machined in the face of the SafeAir1 port and drilled the now flat face to #30. Then simply drilled the standard #30 hole in the skin at the DWG 28 location (NOT the often "confused for correct" Static Port Kit Instructions location meant for the RV-6).
The last mod was to remove a little from the side of the port fitting face to clear the bulkhead flange before ProSealing the flange to the inside of the skin, and the rivet (less the mandrel) to the outside of the skin.
All in all, not bad, and now I get the security of the SafeAir1 fittings, but the profile of the original and apparently most accurate port shape.
Next up was the aft tubing and loop routing. Wasn’t tough, and I feel the result was clean and effective.
Simply added a MS21919DG4 Adel Clamp to the most forward F-636 bolt and replaced the AN960-10 with a -10L. Keeps the line clear of all hardware and nicely secured. I’ll eventually add the clips called out in DWG 25 along the longeron.
Last thing to do was to modify the chunky F-705G angle and the F-705E and F-705D to allow the 1/4” line to pass through. Fortunately, I’ve not final riveted the angle in yet…so I removed it, marked a center point between the rivets with 2+ dia edge distance, and up sized to 1/4” final.
Once reinstalled, used my angle drill and, using the now drilled angle, match drilled the hole in the rest.
Static line can now make it to the panel.
Would really be nice if Vans updated the plans/manual to call this out early (or at all), allowing this to be done in the initial construction vs later. Nonetheless, it wasn’t impossible.
Oh, I also installed the vent NACAs.
Onto the next! Parts are getting sparse!
