Elevator and Trim Tab continued…

May 5, 2010 – I decided that I needed to replace the hinge for the trim tab, since the aft edge didn’t quite line up, so I ordered the hinge and a 3′ length of hinge pin. Once I got those parts, I redrilled the hinge and installed the halves in the tab and the elevator.

When the hinges were installed and I put the two together, I noticed that the lower edge of the tab was a bit rounded and wasn’t faired to the lower surface of the elevator. This was before my end ribs were installed. The only thing I could figure out was that the bend of the trailing edge wasn’t sharp enough. I gently “percussed” the trailing edge to sharpen it, and therefore flatten the tab a little bit. It fits better. I tried the ribs I had made (see post below). They were a little rounded, so I trimmed the edges of those ribs and test-fitted them. I think things will be better.

The tab will be easy enough to replace later if need be.

I installed the end ribs for the tabs.

I am now in the middle of the most enjoyable task of rolling the leading edges. I read a post somewhere that they thought this was easier than the rudder. Hmmmmph. Pain in the *^$@#$.

As a side task, I made the tool to install the rod ends for the hinges for the rudder and elevators. This tool holds the rod end and lets you torque the rod end into the nut plates.

Time : 4:15