Fiberglass tips

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 15, 2004 10:19 pm

I see from the web sites that it seems almost everybody gets the tail done except the fiberglass tips which they leave untill the last. I am just finishing up the tail and would like to rivet the tips on but leave the fiberglass filling untill later. Is this a bad idea for some reason?

RV-8 Emp

Tony · Post by **Tony** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 12:21 am

Hi,
I am not far enough along to give you an absolute answer but I will pass along my thinking. I don't see any advantage to going ahead and riveting them now. Leaving them open still gives you access should you need it later (i.e. for a tail strobe in VS). Although I can't really think of any other reasons I might want access, I can't think of any reasons why they need to be permanently attached now.
Just my two cents...

Tony

728GD · Post by **728GD** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 12:27 pm

I think there are really two reasons most RV builders leave all the fiberglass work until the end of the project.

One: We don't like working with fiberglass, we are more comfortable with metal.

Two: ( a real reason) Fiberglass will "dull" drill bits really fast. I waited until the end to fit up all my tips. I just thought it was easier to set up the shop to work on the fiberglass parts and do them all at once.

If you wish to fit up the tips while your building the tail kit I can not think of any reason not to complete the tips other than your own personal reasons. Just remember to use a "cheap" drill bit when drilling the fiberglass, don't ruin a good bit in the process.

Post by **Spike** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 2:05 pm

I wouldnt rivet them on until after you had them filled and prepped. If for no reason other than you would have to work around the HS while doing it. Then there is the possibility of messing them up and having to drill them off to replace them.

-- John