Wing Tip Rib, huh?

[Freemasm]

RV4 wings and flat top tips.

Drawing 18 refers to drawing 19 for top rib install details. Only thing on 19 is the rivet callout, not even a rib p/n.

This has surely been solved in the past. The rib trailing edge obviously needs to be stiffened. Could make something but I’d rather use Vans parts if possible.

Can anyone point my blind-a$$ self in the right direction? Would be appreciated.

 

[arffguy]

Are you talking about the rib that goes into the trailing edge of the wingtip itself? The W-412 rib shown on Drawing 9? Oddly enough, both the RV-4 and RV-6 plans don't show dimensions to make this part.

 

[Kyle Boatright]

Are you talking about the rib that goes into the trailing edge of the wingtip itself? The W-412 rib shown on Drawing 9? Oddly enough, both the RV-4 and RV-6 plans don't show a form block with dimensions to make this part.

It is basically like an aileron or flap rib, just slid forward a wee bit to account for the thickness of the fiberglass. The taper is the same...

 

[Freemasm]

Thanks and sorry. I had retired dwg 9 and many others. So the installation “detail” on dwg 19 is merely rivet type and spacing. I had assumed differently, argh.

BTW. Final fitting RMD lens is long and painful. This project has eaten my brain. Again, thx and my apologies for my case of the dumb a$$.

 

[Little Al]

I didn't have the trailing edge tip rib. I fit the tip last after the ailerons and flaps were rigged so I could get the tip to aline with them in neutral position. Then pressed a piece of foam insulation into the tip rib spot to make my cut line. Cut it out of the foam sanded the edges to fit in he tip. Then used the foam for a mold to make a carbon tip rib and epoxied it in.

 

[fixnflyguy]

The part is a Vans produced end rib, and is fastened only to the tip. If the wingtip is removed, the rib stays with it. I have the original tips (white gelcoat), and they are as you know quite flimsy when not attached. I drilled up the end close-out rib and the tip attach holes all at the same time, and there are many areas to check when doing so. The ailerons really need to be on and rigged kept centered in place. I used a crosspiece in the cockpit and clamped the stick to it. The tips may even be too long and need filled at the T/E and re-profiled to match the aileron. Im sure the plans have some note about the material, but its probably .032" and would be very easy to make. You can see it my pic, including the production tool hole from when it was made. I'm not a fan of glassing everyhing in, especially in control surface interface, but I believe I bonded/riveted with Proseal, as I do with most all glass/metal joints. my tips are attached with screws and removable, but as mentioned, this piece stays on the tip.

 

[Skip12]

RV4 wings and flat top tips.

Drawing 18 refers to drawing 19 for top rib install details. Only thing on 19 is the rivet callout, not even a rib p/n.

This has surely been solved in the past. The rib trailing edge obviously needs to be stiffened. Could make something but I’d rather use Vans parts if possible.

Can anyone point my blind-a$$ self in the right direction? Would be appreciated.

View attachment 100588

View attachment 100589

This will occur without the tip rib.

 

[Skip12]

View attachment 100711
This will occur without the tip rib.

I meant to reply to the original post.

 

[Dan 57]

This project has eaten my brain.

Oh, many thanks for that @Freemasm, finally learned what happened to mine then.
Now tell that to wifey...