Installed tiedowns; Main Spar prep complete
September 1, 2010 - The tiedown brackets are installed.
I tapped the tiedown brackets per the drawings: 3/8" x 16, 1" deep. These holes will accept the tiedown rings that will secure the airplane in the event of high winds while parked.
I then drilled and installed the nutplates in the spacers and the tiedowns, then cleaned, primed, painted and installed. .
On the aft side of the spar, using the nutplates installed in the tiedowns, are the brackets for the aileron bellcrank assembly.
I've set the main spars aside, and started on the aft spars. Doublers for the inboard ends of the aft spars get trimmed on the RV-7. Since the trim is the same on 4 pieces, I trimmed one per the drawing, then clecoed the 4 pieces together and trimmed the rest so they all match.
Total Time: 4:35
Drilled tiedowns
August 29, 2010 - Today I decided to visit the therapist in the garage and drill the tiedown brackets.
The first thing you do is make lightening (reduce weight) holes in four spacers. I cut the material per the plans and used a spot-facer to make the center holes. The plans call for a 1" hole. I didn't have the means to make 1" holes, so I made them 13/16". I don't think there's a lot of edge distance for a 1" hole. especially since you have to drill additional holes for nutplates.
The next step is to drill one hole in the tiedown bracket material at a specific location called for in the plans. You then bolt it to the spar and back-drill the remaining holes. I also drew lines along the backside of the brackets so I could make sure that it lined up when in place on the spar. Just look through the holes in the spar, and if you see the lines, you're reasonably sure that the bracket is straight.
I then placed the spacers on the spar using carpet tape to hold them in place for drilling. The square is to ensure that they are even with the end of the spar doubler.
When everything is in place, you just drill through the existing holes in the spar to the brackets and the spacers.
Total Time: 1:40
Spar nutplates complete
August 26, 2010 - It's been a while since I've been able to do a good day's work, so I got it out of my system.
Countersinking the holes for the tank attach nutplates was a bit intimidating, and I had a rough hole or two to get started, but once I got into it, the job kinda flowed on. After figuring out the settings for the countersinks, I drilled a plate with some holes to accept the pilot of the countersink to prevent chatter, then I drilled away.
Everything looks pretty good.
I then installed the nutplates for the tanks and for the access panels on the bottom of the wings, and the 1/4" nutplates for the center section..
Total Time: 5:20
Set up and ready to start...
August 24, 2010 - Well, we're on the cusp of a break in the heat. Yesterday it was 107. Today a "cold" front is moving through, and tomorrow it will only be 90. It's amazing how much we appreciate the small things when they're not here.
Anyway, I finally got everything more or less in place, and I started on the spars. VERY intimidating because I don't want to even know what one of these would cost to replace if I make a mistake. No wonder they're anodized gold...
I started by labeling the spars as to which end is up, then I secured them in place on the table and began countersinking for the nutplates. I only got one side done on each spar. I guess I'm going to go with Van's method for countersinking the screw holes that accept the dimples in the skin material. I'll do that tomorrow when it's cooler...
Total Time: 1:15
Wings Delivered
August 18, 2010 - The wings were delivered by ABF promptly. The driver pretty much took charge of the unload, and everything appears to be OK.
...And the obligatory pictures of how well Van's packs everything, and the resulting pile o' paper...
Wings!
August 17, 2010 - I just paid for shipping, and the wings will be delivered by ABF tomorrow! I called Van's during shipping week, and they said the wings were in crating, and I'd hear next from the shipper (ABF). I got a final invoice from Van's with the Bill of Lading on Saturday, with a tracking number. Crates arrived in Dallas yesterday, so I called this morning to arrange a time. Set up for tomorrow, and paid my bill right then and there. Shipping was $298.40...honestly about $100 less than I anticipated.
Pictures tomorrow!!!
Wing stand
June 9, 2010 - No pictures, but I went up to Propwash in Justin to pick up a wing stand and cradles from another ex-Deltoid, Kenny Haberstroh. Better to recycle than to build a new set, and he needed to clean out the hangar anyway. Kenny's RV-7A is flying. We also went to visit Bob Malechek and his RV-7A. Always good to be inspired. Thanks, Kenny, and thanks Mike for helping with transportation!
Wings Ordered
May 28, 2010 - I ordered my wings today. Right now I expect delivery in mid-August. I'll keep you posted.