HS skin trimming?

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1:1_Scale
Class D
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Location: Central Oregon

HS skin trimming?

Post by 1:1_Scale »

We went to temporarily mount my right elevator to the horizontal stabilizer today to hang them up and get them out of the way, and ran into a bit of a fitment issue. Seems the HS skin needs to be trimmed back a little bit to make room for the elevator counterweight?
Image
Image
As you can see, the elevator still has a way to go before we can put a bolt through the hinge bracket and rod end bearing. If I have to trim the skin back, it's not that big of a deal, but it certainly isn't in line with the way things have been fitting so far :? Are we supposed to trim the skin? I haven't checked the instructions yet since this was more of a "clean up" job than a "construction" job and the instructions were in the house :wink:
Kelly
RV-7 Empennage done, wings done, fuselage to QB stage
1947 Stinson108-1 flying
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TomC
Class E
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Post by TomC »

This is one that needs Van's tech support. I would not trim the skin until you talk with them.

Just my $.02

Good Luck!
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tshort
Class C
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Location: Indianapolis, IN (KUMP)

Post by tshort »

You do trim the skin. I had to cut mine the same as yours.

I think it is noted somewhere in the plans but I am not in the shop right now.

edit: here it is mentioned on Brad's site:
http://www.rv7factory.com/log/051214.html

Thomas
Thomas Short
Indianapolis, IN (KUMP)
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cjensen
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Post by cjensen »

Yep, totally normal. All NEW STYLE elevators are longer and Van didn't change the skins so, if you are using the NEW counterweights, the HS needs to be trimmed. :) [EDIT] Changed wording to reflect what CJ said below...he is right! 8)
Last edited by cjensen on Mon Dec 17, 2007 10:01 am, edited 1 time in total.
Chad Jensen
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captain_john
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Post by captain_john »

Well, that kinda makes sense then, Chad.

Mine didn't require trimming. But OTOH, I have the old style counterweights.

I would clarify your statement to read, "All NEW STYLE elevators are longer and Van didn't change the skins so, if you are using the NEW counterweights, the HS needs to be trimmed".

Does that sound right?

:? CJ
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cjensen
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Post by cjensen »

Good catch bud! I changed my post to reflect your statement. New style elevators, same skin=trim.

8)
Chad Jensen
Missing my RV-7...
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1:1_Scale
Class D
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Location: Central Oregon

Post by 1:1_Scale »

Excellent [/Mr. Burns] :mrgreen:

I saw on Dan C.'s site that he had to trim a little also, maybe 3/8", but it looks like I'm going to have to trim at least an inch. Dan also has an older style of counterweight :)

Thanks!
Kelly
RV-7 Empennage done, wings done, fuselage to QB stage
1947 Stinson108-1 flying
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jim_geo
Class C
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Post by jim_geo »

Stick it together like picture 2 and sharpy an extension line then cut. Nothing to it. We all do it. I'm thinking it's mentioned in the manual.
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