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Wing Skin Overlap?

md9680

md9680

Well Known Member
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As I was Clecoing the left Outboard Leading Edge structure to the main spar, I noticed a very slight overlap of the LE skin. What is actually expected? Should it be a butted joint? If needed, I can remove the LE and file material off to fit.

Thank you for your answers.
 

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As a new builder, I made the mistake of riveting on the top skin without paying attention to the gap between the top skin and leading edge skin. As a result, there are some areas where the skins are very snug. Like, sticking up slightly. HUGE rookie mistake! Still makes me sick thinking about it and I'm still scratching my head wondering why I didn't even think about fitment before riveting. I guess it's because all the parts prior to this fit perfectly.

When I fit the fuel tanks later I spent a ton of time installing/removing/test fitting/filing/rinse-repeat so there is a perfect fit with a tiny gap between the skins.

It's tough being a new builder with no help - and sometimes no common sense. I hope the painter can fix my mistake later.
 
bertschb said:
As a new builder, I made the mistake of riveting on the top skin without paying attention to the gap between the top skin and leading edge skin. As a result, there are some areas where the skins are very snug. Like, sticking up slightly. HUGE rookie mistake! Still makes me sick thinking about it and I'm still scratching my head wondering why I didn't even think about fitment before riveting. I guess it's because all the parts prior to this fit perfectly.

When I fit the fuel tanks later I spent a ton of time installing/removing/test fitting/filing/rinse-repeat so there is a perfect fit with a tiny gap between the skins.

It's tough being a new builder with no help - and sometimes no common sense. I hope the painter can fix my mistake later.
Click to expand...
I don't think I would have ever started a project like this if VAF didn't exist. I've avoided so many mistakes (so far) by searching here and YT to see how others did it. But one thing I've learned is that I have to really take my time, read and re-read, the instructions sometimes many times before jumping into a step thinking I know what's what. There ARE some designated overlaps of these wing skins but I hadn't noticed any mention of such for this particular joint. Glad I asked the "Vaniverse". You guys are so good about responding to these kinds of requests.

Thanks.
 
Well, I managed to get the skins trimmed down to the point where a utility knife blade cutting edge would fit in. I used a 1" x 2" x 16" sanding block given to me several years ago and, after two fitments (with help from my wife), the third time was the charm. Just wondering, and I guess I could just go measure it, is the Leading Edge skin slightly thicker than the other wing skins?
 
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