Wings

Torque Tubes  ( 1 hr )

Drilled final holes to complete assly of LH & RH Torque Tubes.  Sect 23-07 Steps 1-4.  Used shotgun cleaning rod again, but this time as perfect "gage" to measure actual gap between bearings for Left Wing and Right Wing.  Since plus/minus 1/64 inch required for final length of Torque Tubes, this will insure fit.

Trusted "gage" more than measuring to 1/64".  But checked both ways

Ready to dis-assemble to deburr.

Emailed Vans again - only 4 of 8 required AN13A bolts provided.  Seems they've missed again that QB has two wings! in inventory list.

Wings

Torque Tubes cont'd  ( 3 hrs )

Built LH and RH Torque Tube assemblies per Sect 23-06 Steps 3 & 4.  Drilling in steel is not nearly as much "fun" as drilling aluminum.  Next, complete ass'ly with short ends at specific orientation per 23-07 ...tomorrow.

Went ahead with set up to measure within 1/32".  This is one of few times Vans engineers provide min - max dimension...between 17 3/4 and 17 25/32  (plus/minus 1/64 !)

Wings

Torque Tubes  ( 3 hrs )

Good news:  Vans is shipping the B/O items today.  Apparently they had in stock all but the Fuel Valve  ( no explanation of why not already shipped ! ).  

I trial fit LH & RH Flaps to wings after unwrapping.   Installed CM-4M Rod End Bearings.

But I discovered Van's Packing List doesn't include four AN310-4 castle nuts needed to complete attachment to wings.  They responded to email with news they were shipping those, apparently supposed to be included in Bag 3100 for Flap Actuation...but not listed or provided.  You'd think w/ the RV14 kits being available since 2013 they'd have that resolved.  Maybe since the QB Wings are relatively new offerings, they messed that up. Both Flaps are now in extra bedroom = plane parts safe storage facility.

Started build of Torque Tube Ass'ly for Aileron Actuation, Sect 23-06 Steps 1 & 2.

Wings

Bellcrank to Aileron Pushrod ( 2 hrs )

I cleaned and then primed inside these relatively small diameter tubes using a shotgun cleaning rod & wipes.  First saturated in Acetone couple passes, then couple passes with saturated cloth in Primer.  Worked really well.

Then riveted with long  -11 rivets (470 4 size).  As noted in instructions, these really want to bend over.  So I proceeded via small incremental "squeezes", varying slightly the alignment to keep moving the shop end back toward center.   With some practice, I applied quick short "hits" with small orientation changes in rapid progression.    All but couple ended up oval shaped, but confident very stout.

 









Installed Rod End Bearings with jam nuts - being sure each end was "clocked" 90 degrees.

Then  AAARRRGGGHHH... began preparing for next Section, and couldn't find Bellcranks.   I'd forgot these are on BackOrder from Vans.   Sent email for update, and will work on other sections.

Wings

Bellcrank to Aileron Pushrods ( 3 hrs )

Happy New Year !   One year since started actual building...and come a long way, with a LOT yet to do...    Started Section - page 23-04:  Bellcrank to Aileron Pushrods by cutting one 48" steel tube to 21.375" lengths.  Lots of drilling using drill press - first #40 holes, then inserted male rod ends to match drill #30 holes.   Needed to use drill press with file to "turn" down rod end in order to fit into tubes...still tight, but used rod end bearing screwed on as "handle".   Deburred and ready to clean so I can prime inside of tubes before riveting.   Think I'm going to use shotgun cleaning rod to reach all the way. 

 

Wings

Completed Aileron Torque Tube to Bellcrank Pushrods (1 hr )

Completed six rivets each per 4 Rod Ends.  Final touch up primer applied to bare spots where tape covered orientation marks.   Looks Great !   Onto 23-04...

Wings

Aileron Actuation ( 4 hrs )

Used Template and Center Punch to designate 6 holes at ends of each tube.  Included VA-111 Threaded Rod End in place (4x) so would be drilled simultaneously.  Drilled #40 followed by #30 using clecos to hold positions.  Deburred, cleaned with acetone, and primed.   Taped over alignment marks to enable correct re-assembly.   Plan touch up at those small areas with primer after riveting.

Used rod end bearing as "handles" to install rod ends.

 

Ready to rivet, then touch up label zones.