Category: RV Training Kit

Since I can’t make any further progress on my toolbox, I decided to go ahead and open up the other Practice Kit.  This is more like what I was expecting!

First instructions at to fabricate a stiffener using some longer pieces of stock.  EXCELLENT!  Had to sit and stare at the diagram for a bit to understand exactly what was being asked, but think I figured it out.  Some quick work on the band-saw as well as the Scotch Bright wheel and we are all set.  Only issue is that I think Vans has a small error in the diagram.  They put the wrong label on the “R” and “L” pieces showing how to fabricate.  If you label the parts that way, they don’t match the exploded part diagram and layout image.  Easy enough to fix as I don’t see how putting them in “backwards” would cause any issues.  I just relabeled my parts.

I’m ready to do some match drilling but going to hold off for a bit.  Already had lots of fun, and don’t want to finish my new project in one day!

Also, I want to wait for my sub-structure dimple die from Cleveland-Tool to arrive to see how well they work.

All for now.

Just when you think you totally understand what needs to be done, take a second look.

The directions for how to attach the hinge to the toolbox didn’t fully make sense to me, but I “thought” I understand what was being asked.  OOPS!, I was mistaken, and the holes I drilled were far too close to the edge of the hinge material.  (The hinge attaches to the OUTSIDE of the toolbox!).  Also when they say that the eyelets should be flush with the top of the box, they mean that the top of the eyelets should be flush, not the bottom.  Oh well.

So this means that I will be putting the build of my tool-box on hold until I can order a new hinge.  Not the worst thing in the world, but slightly annoying.  The debate is, order the part now, or wait until I order the Empennage just in case my next practice kit also needs some replacement parts!

I’ll see if I can do any additional steps, or if I just need to wait until the new hinge arrives.  Bummer.  I was just starting to have fun putting this together!