Today, I was joined by my brother, Bob, Jerry Esquenazi, and
Ulf Peterson to attach the tail cone to the fuselage. It was tricky, but it's done. Of course, it has to come apart again
for deburr and dimpling.
The wings are finished as well as the wing tips. I've moved on to the
fuselage. the first thing I've done is start trimming the edges of the large canopy to fit the fuselage. A lot of cutting
and sanding that wears out blades. Had to order more. I've pulled some panels and floors in the fuselage in preparation of
brake lines, etc., and joining the tail cone. I should get the two together in a few weeks, depending on how I jump around
the things that have to be done.
I
polished the Rudder with good results and I've tried painting the fiberglass tips a warm yellow. I'll probably change colors.
I've done a lot of floor work in the fuselage. The two rear seat floors are permanently riveted in. The brake lines
are mostly in, as well as the rudder and brake pedals. The lines from the pedals are easy to install and I'm leaving them
out for now. The fuel selector is in and the aluminum lines run outside the fuselage. The flap actuator is fabricated and
installed. Finished the fuselage elevator push tubes, aileron push tubes, and the two front flight control sticks. I put them
in for a fitting but will remove them later to get them out of the way.
Van's announced a Service Bulletin
on the Tailcone. For the folks with finished airplanes it's a real pain. I was able to do all the work from inside the tail
(rolled in on it's side) or reaching through some lightening holes. I logged a little over 9 hours and Gerry about 3. Look
closely at the photo of me inside the tail with the drill; you will see the "doubler" laying on the table ready to install
(one for each side) and the angle drill that later proved so useful working through the lightening holes.
