I've read various previous postings about this topic and also looked at a number of builders web sites. however, I'd be grateful for any observations about the problems I've been having with this step over the past two days. Its very frustrating not to be able to move on with any confidence!
I've tried four methods(!0 and none seem very satisfactory - (1) the plumb-bob method that Vans specify seems pretty hopeless; (2) next we tried using 6 foot lengths of angle clamped to the ends of the gear legs and tried to get the lengths of angle parallel and the ends of the legs equidistant from a mid-line reference down at the tail; (3) then we tried getting the stub axles aligned with each other using a length of angle, with the gear legs equidistant etc, and finally we tried the method specified by Vans on drawing 45, which is a variation on (3).
No matter which method we use we end up with the same problem which is that the right gear leg looks too far back compared with the left, so that we start to have edge distance issue with the outermost rivet holding part number F802 in place to the skin, and also that the outer locating block U803 and the associated outer wear plate is not parallel with the longeron - if we get the 3/16" at the forward bolt, then the aft bolt is like 3/8" inboard - the left side looks good.
Instinctively I feel like I should pull the right leg forward and push the left one back - but then they will be different distances from the tail reference point. If I had to guess the cause of the problem I'd say the gear legs are not real mirror-images - I think the right one has some twist. Other possiblities I guess are that the fuse is twisted somehow (its a QB) or that I'm doing something dumb and incompetent - but any suggestions on how to proceed will be really helpful and appreciated.
Thanks
Chris
PS when I work out how I'll edit and add some pictures
I've tried four methods(!0 and none seem very satisfactory - (1) the plumb-bob method that Vans specify seems pretty hopeless; (2) next we tried using 6 foot lengths of angle clamped to the ends of the gear legs and tried to get the lengths of angle parallel and the ends of the legs equidistant from a mid-line reference down at the tail; (3) then we tried getting the stub axles aligned with each other using a length of angle, with the gear legs equidistant etc, and finally we tried the method specified by Vans on drawing 45, which is a variation on (3).
No matter which method we use we end up with the same problem which is that the right gear leg looks too far back compared with the left, so that we start to have edge distance issue with the outermost rivet holding part number F802 in place to the skin, and also that the outer locating block U803 and the associated outer wear plate is not parallel with the longeron - if we get the 3/16" at the forward bolt, then the aft bolt is like 3/8" inboard - the left side looks good.
Instinctively I feel like I should pull the right leg forward and push the left one back - but then they will be different distances from the tail reference point. If I had to guess the cause of the problem I'd say the gear legs are not real mirror-images - I think the right one has some twist. Other possiblities I guess are that the fuse is twisted somehow (its a QB) or that I'm doing something dumb and incompetent - but any suggestions on how to proceed will be really helpful and appreciated.
Thanks
Chris
PS when I work out how I'll edit and add some pictures
Last edited: