Need rudder info

[woodmanrog]

my 6A counterbalanced rudder has started developing some small cracks at a couple of rivets and has already had 2-1" cracks stop drilled. My buddy has suggested that we may have to build a new rudder. My question is, may a /7 rudder be installed on a 6? The rudder I have is the intermediate one before the 7 became available. Also, I heard that this cracking problem was pretty common. any comments would be helpful.
Woodman

 

[rich]

RUDDER

The RV7 won't fit. It's just different.
I have one of the last 6A's and it's a RV8 rudder with the counter ballance.
Hope this helps

 

[RV7AV8R]

The RV7 won't fit. It's just different.
I have one of the last 6A's and it's a RV8 rudder with the counter ballance.
Hope this helps

The original 7 used the 8 rudder also, then later on (about 2005) they changed the 7 rudder to the bigger 9 rudder.

 

[Mel]

The cracks at the aft edge of the -6 rudder are caused by improper forming of the trailing edge radius. If that radius is not completely formed, cracks will start at the aft most rivets. My original -6 rudder (.016" skin) is still crack free after almost 18 years of flying.

 

[woodmanrog]

Thanks

Thanks for the info guys. Big help. Mel, The cracks actually are appearing at the forward part of the rudder, apparently where a vertical support is riveted. i agree there must be some stress somewhere or it wouldn't happen. We'll get 'er done.
Woodman