So finally getting back to editing some video and posting updates. I finish riveting the right elevator and start on the Trim tabs. I’ll admit that I decided to go a bit off-script here and decided not to use the method described in the manual to bend the trim tabs. Instead I decided to use my duck-bill pliers to bend the tabs up manually prior to setting the edge crease. Would I recommend others follow this path? Maybe not. At the time it seems like a perfectly good idea, but I’m sure I could have made a much nicer and crisper bend by following the directions in the manual. I guess if I was going to deviate anywhere the Trim Tabs are the easiest place to try something new out as it’s a small part that can easily be redone if necessary. Hey, this is my airplane so no reason I can’t do things slightly differently.
Next I have to create a folding jig with some left-over lumber and set the edge of my trim tabs (taking into account I have already folded over the side tabs.) Honestly it looks fine and I don’t see an issue. I then make the tool listed earlier in the manual to better refine the edge and make sure the tab is flat. I plan to have all of my edges checked by an EAA counselor but think I have them properly set. I ended up spending what seems like a long time trying to get the edges perfect.
Once I was finally satisfied with the edge, I cut the page out of the manual to cut out the foam ribs per the plans. Then it’s on to Match Drilling followed by marking out the rib locations and scuffing / masking off where the foam ribs will be glued into the trim tabs. I decided that I was going to do all the Proseal work in one sitting between the elevators and the trim tabs, so I wanted everything ready and done in prep so I didn’t have to use more than a single tube of Proseal. (more on that later!) For scuffing / sanding the inside of the trim tab, a pain stir stick with the sand paper wrapped around the end worked perfectly. and it was just about the correct width! The paint sticks were also perfect for putting down the painters tape to mask off where the ribs sit.
My only oversight was that I masked off all the way to the edge of the trim tabs, which left me with a small stripe of non-primed skin that I now have to “touch up”. Just something to think about if you are crazy enough to follow my suggestions. In addition to getting my trim tabs ready for primer, I’m also shooting the primer on the Left elevator which I didn’t spray earlier.
Once the primer was done and I waited for it to completely dry. (Don’t dimple / parts until the primer has dried for at least 24 hours if not 48 hours unless you want it to possibly flake off). I looked ahead at other things I could get done. I ended up working with the lead counterbalance weights. *** WARNING Van’s doesn’t put any warning about Lead in their manual, but make sure you are smart with how you handle the lead!. It didn’t really show up on the video, but I was using my respirator while cutting the lead, followed by a good cleaning of the area with my Shop Vac. You do not want to breath in Lead dust.
Once that is all cleaned up, I remember to use my drill press to countersink the appropriate holes in my trim tab spars, and begin to put the trim tabs together.