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Posted: 4/13/2024 3:49:10 PM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By RV8guy: Nothing good comes a rattle can. Just got an RV8 in the shop today. That will a fun little project. I disagree.   Not mine. Stolen from the web. Happens to come from arf.  |
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Posted: 4/13/2024 10:26:35 PM EDT
[#2]
Got the right elevator trailing edge mostly bent.
 Attached FileNeed to fabricate a tool they show to get the last little bit of bend needed…but that will have to wait for the morning. I need a set of channel locks with longer handles.  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/15/2024 1:56:05 AM EDT
[#3]
Thousands of dollars in airplane tools and to bend the elevator trailing edge I have to make wooden contraptions…
Main bending tool:  Attached FileFinishing tool:  Attached FileBut, hey. They worked. And yes, these are things the plans tell you to make. |
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Posted: 4/16/2024 10:48:42 PM EDT
[#4]
Right elevator parts and some left elevator parts got primer today. I’m still trying to figure out the best settings for the spray gun. I have the pressure from the tank at 40psi then at the gun down to 20ish.
The very first batch I did for the vertical stab came out nice, but I was wasting a lot of paint and the air pressure was blowing the little parts around way too much. I’m trying to find a good balance between airflow paint so the little parts don’t have to be held.  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/16/2024 10:56:14 PM EDT
[#5]
Run your air compressor at max psi. As a baseline, turn the fluid knob on the spray gun all the way in then back out 3 turns. Adjust your air at the gun to get good atomization. If you you need to spray smaller things with with more finesse, turn the fluid knob in one turn and turn your air down.
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Posted: 4/18/2024 1:55:40 AM EDT
[#6]
Got the right elevator mostly buttoned up.
F this rolled leading edge. I have some massaging and reading to do to fix the middle section… Elevator skeleton  Attached File Attached FileElevator good lay down on the leading edge…  Attached FileBad lay down/puckering  Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 1:55:57 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By RV8guy: Run your air compressor at max psi. As a baseline, turn the fluid knob on the spray gun all the way in then back out 3 turns. Adjust your air at the gun to get good atomization. If you you need to spray smaller things with with more finesse, turn the fluid knob in one turn and turn your air down. Thank you, I will try this the next session |
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Posted: 4/21/2024 9:45:43 PM EDT
[#8]
Continuing the work on the left elevator.
Got the skeleton pieces mostly ready to go in primer. The instructions say now is the best time to figure out the trim servo while there’s still a bunch of access so that’s what I did today. The plans and instructions don’t give you much to go on, so you’re left to mostly figure it out yourself. After reading a bunch of build logs I think I got it pretty much dialed in and drilled the trim servo mounting brackets to the access plate. Then I’m up to the dreaded elevator tab bending. A lot of threads have people messing them up and just cutting the tabs off and making a little riblet to close out the trim tab side of the elevator. I’m going to go slow and try bending them, but it’s good to know there’s a back-up if I mess it up instead of having to buy a whole new skin.  Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached FileElevator tabs  Attached File |
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Posted: 4/21/2024 11:09:37 PM EDT
[Last Edit: AZ_Sky]
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By clayvt: Continuing the work on the left elevator. Got the skeleton pieces mostly ready to go in primer. The instructions say now is the best time to figure out the trim servo while there's still a bunch of access so that's what I did today. The plans and instructions don't give you much to go on, so you're left to mostly figure it out yourself. After reading a bunch of build logs I think I got it pretty much dialed in and drilled the trim servo mounting brackets to the access plate. Then I'm up to the dreaded elevator tab bending. A lot of threads have people messing them up and just cutting the tabs off and making a little riblet to close out the trim tab side of the elevator. I'm going to go slow and try bending them, but it's good to know there's a back-up if I mess it up instead of having to buy a whole new skin. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/207473/IMG_5969_jpeg-3194758.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/207473/IMG_5970_jpeg-3194761.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/207473/IMG_5971_jpeg-3194763.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/207473/IMG_5972_jpeg-3194765.JPG Elevator tabs https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/207473/IMG_5973_jpeg-3194766.JPG When I built my RV4, the electric elevator trim was an aftermarket thing with absolutely no factory parts and it had to be built from scratch from drawings. But it was the best way to implement the elevator trim, manual trim sucks big time. |
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Posted: 4/21/2024 11:09:59 PM EDT
[#10]
A little trick I’ve learned working on people’s RV’s. The trim servo can be a little tuff to remove when needed. The shape of the opening is not 100% ideal. The aft inboard corner of the motor needs a little bit more room to easily slip out. I usually take a round file and trim out a half circle at that spot. With the motor and cover plate installed it can’t be seen. A small thing to think about is the wiring for the trim motor. It passes through a small round hole with a grommet on it. I’ve seen a bunch of builders put a large square connector there. Sure the motor comes out but the elevator is now a P.I.T.A. At least a couple of times in the airplanes life, the elevator will need to be removed. I’ve seen some even hard wire the motor in. No choice then but to cut the wires.
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Posted: 4/21/2024 11:43:29 PM EDT
[#11]
Thx for the tip on the corner. I was thinking of shaving down the edges of the 4 forward nut plates to give a little more clearance as well.
For the wiring, I’ve seen a few different methods and one of the ones I liked most was d-sub connectors to an extra length of wire that terminates to a 9 pin d-sub fitting that mounts to the rear deck under the vertical stab. Or cannon plug. Kind of thinking of using cannon plugs wherever there is a bulkhead pass through. |
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Posted: 4/22/2024 12:32:40 AM EDT
[#12]
I usually do d-sub pins individually heat shrunk together. No matter where you put the connectors the wiring needs to be able to go through a hole when removing or installing the elevator. You matter what you do just be glad that you are not doing manual trim. I just pulled apart a manual trim RV8. Not hard but a pain in the butt.
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Posted: 5/5/2024 7:39:47 AM EDT
[#13]
Been working off and on. Had to take last weekend to tile my kitchen with the help of my father. But before tile work, we of course had to do some work on the left elevator.
Between the two of us we managed to get the inboard and outboard trim tab tabs bent fairly successfully. Some minor fitting may still be required before I close it up. After he left I tried to do the left elevator skin tab folds and buffered them up. Like so many of vansairforce and build logs do. So, I did what they did. I fabricated and little riblet to fill the space and when I’m doing all of the finish work I’ll fill it in with foam and putty over it to give it a smooth finish. It hasn’t gotten its final squish. I’ll do that after I prime so I can still get in there and clean/prime it.  Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached FileI finally got my replacement horizontal stab front spars. So when the left elevator is done I’ll finish that up. Luckily most of the bending/straightening of the ribs and edge work is already done. |
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Posted: 5/5/2024 7:41:16 AM EDT
[#14]
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Posted: 5/5/2024 7:44:19 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MtnMusic: I think the RV-7 only carries something like 600 pounds total (including fuel, etc.) so you'd be limited. Maybe one of those little .22 LR miniguns? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MtnMusic: Originally Posted By PanelVanHalen: .50s, 20MMs, or a mix of both? I think the RV-7 only carries something like 600 pounds total (including fuel, etc.) so you'd be limited. Maybe one of those little .22 LR miniguns? I doubt the wings could support a guns weight much less the ammo. |
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Posted: 5/5/2024 9:28:20 AM EDT
[#16]
Had a customer bring in an RV this week. He didn't want to fit the wheel pants so I get to do it. Fun times.
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Posted: 5/5/2024 10:17:39 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By RV8guy: Had a customer bring in an RV this week. He didn't want to fit the wheel pants so I get to do it. Fun times. To be fair, it looks like a pain. Fiberglass work and fittings I am not looking forward to. |
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Posted: 5/7/2024 10:56:36 PM EDT
[#18]
One completed trim tab and mostly complete left elevator. Still have to roll the leading edge and tweak one or two of the hinge eyelets that got bent a bit while riveting.
 Attached File |
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Posted: 5/9/2024 10:34:40 AM EDT
[#19]
Got the leading edge of both the left and right elevator done today. I really hope I never have to do that again.
I still have the leading edge of the rudder to do, but that’s .016 material as opposed to the .025 of the elevator skins. Next is finally the horizontal stab which should have been the first thing I started but I’ve already covered that. Once that’s done, the empanada kit is complete and I can star on the wings! Gotta start thinking about a better place to store all of these things…  Attached File |
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Posted: 5/9/2024 3:21:48 PM EDT
[#20]
A little pc. at a time, good progress!
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Posted: 5/10/2024 1:11:41 AM EDT
[#21]
Figured before I put my rolling implements away I should roll the rudder leading edge.
 Attached FileNext problem…I can’t find where I put my horizontal stab plans sheet! It’s not with the rest of the plans. Where the heck could I have put them?! |
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Posted: 5/10/2024 1:34:52 AM EDT
[#22]
I’m so jealous of the knowledge base and wherewithal to pull this off. I’ve flown a few various RVs 25 or so back with guys who built them in their garages. Some of dubious build quality and flown by pilots of questionable skill (and as a poverty stricken CFI is why I was there) but I also flew some built by guys who’s planes if I could track down I’d buy now. I spend as much time as I can in the shop without getting in the way or slowing the guys down when our jet is in the shop. Just trying to learn as much as I can about the parts of the plane I don’t see every day and stuff FSI never comes close to covering.
This is easily my favorite GD thread right now. We desperately need more like this. |
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CA, USA
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Posted: 5/10/2024 1:47:23 AM EDT
[#23]
Even with the whole deal about Van's being in the middle of a Chapter 11 restructuring and all that...
I still want to build one. Probably the RV-12is, because I doubt I'll have major funds and the ability to burn 91 octane pump gas in a pinch is appealing. Anyway, really liking this thread. Will be tuning in for updates! |
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Posted: 5/10/2024 2:59:40 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pilatuspilot: I’m so jealous of the knowledge base and wherewithal to pull this off. I’ve flown a few various RVs 25 or so back with guys who built them in their garages. Some of dubious build quality and flown by pilots of questionable skill (and as a poverty stricken CFI is why I was there) but I also flew some built by guys who’s planes if I could track down I’d buy now. I spend as much time as I can in the shop without getting in the way or slowing the guys down when our jet is in the shop. Just trying to learn as much as I can about the parts of the plane I don’t see every day and stuff FSI never comes close to covering. This is easily my favorite GD thread right now. We desperately need more like this. 😂 knowledge base… I’m learning as I go! I’m learning from reading, lots of reading and for once in my life trying to slow down and read the plans several times before making a cut or hole. If anyone wants to make sure this thread doesn’t die once the metal parts are done, feel free to contribute to an engine fund! lol |
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Posted: 5/10/2024 3:01:04 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By RifleCal30m1n00b: Even with the whole deal about Van's being in the middle of a Chapter 11 restructuring and all that... I still want to build one. Probably the RV-12is, because I doubt I'll have major funds and the ability to burn 91 octane pump gas in a pinch is appealing. Anyway, really liking this thread. Will be tuning in for updates! I briefly thought about the 12. But my anticipated mission will include long cross countries and the 12 felt like it’d be a little too cramped inside for 2 for many hours. |
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Posted: 5/10/2024 3:53:36 AM EDT
[#26]
Work on the horizontal stab picks up where I left off.
Found the plans diagram in the middle of the whole roll of 60ish pages. No idea how it got there.  Attached FileThe front spar is designed for the RV8 and needs some trimming for the 7. This part was previously done on the original parts I got from the previous owner but I didn’t like how thin he made the piece. Original on top, my replacement on bottom.  Attached FileThe original was cut in the wrong spot making the material way too thin for my liking. |
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Posted: 5/10/2024 7:34:52 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By clayvt: To be fair, it looks like a pain. Fiberglass work and fittings I am not looking forward to. When you get to that point in your build, don’t sweat it. Fiberglass is easy. |
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Posted: 5/10/2024 8:37:19 AM EDT
[Last Edit: tnriverluver]
[#28]
Spray painting/priming. If you don't already know this make sure you have a water trap between the compressor and the spray gun. It is a must! Two is even better and drain them often. Something like this.
 Attached File |
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Posted: 5/10/2024 9:40:12 AM EDT
[#29]
I got one. A dissecent type.
But then I got to thinking. Moisture isn’t the end of the world. The primer I’m using is thinned with water. Stewart systems ekoprime. |
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CA, USA
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Posted: 5/10/2024 5:52:33 PM EDT
[Last Edit: RifleCal30m1n00b]
[#30]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By clayvt: I briefly thought about the 12. But my anticipated mission will include long cross countries and the 12 felt like it’d be a little too cramped inside for 2 for many hours. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By clayvt: Originally Posted By RifleCal30m1n00b: Even with the whole deal about Van's being in the middle of a Chapter 11 restructuring and all that... I still want to build one. Probably the RV-12is, because I doubt I'll have major funds and the ability to burn 91 octane pump gas in a pinch is appealing. Anyway, really liking this thread. Will be tuning in for updates! I briefly thought about the 12. But my anticipated mission will include long cross countries and the 12 felt like it’d be a little too cramped inside for 2 for many hours. That's fair. If my situation changes significantly, I may be revising my thoughts to the 9. Plus, there was an outfit I saw mentioned on the Van's Air Force forum that made add-on tanks to fit in the gap behind the seats but ahead of the baggage area; added something like 4.5 or 7.5 gallons per side. If my math is on, that's something like another 20-40% fuel capacity (if you do both seats) Clarity edit: the extra tanks were for the -9, and I believe also the -7 and -14 had options available. |
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Posted: 5/10/2024 7:06:43 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By clayvt: I got one. A dissecent type. But then I got to thinking. Moisture isn’t the end of the world. The primer I’m using is thinned with water. Stewart systems ekoprime. As a guy who just sprayed Stewart coatings on my fuselage, you do not want any moisture coming from the air supply. I had a single stage filter, but it wasn’t cutting it, so I went to a two stage filter plus a dessicant stage. It’s worked well so far.  Attached File |
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Posted: 5/10/2024 10:46:26 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By clayvt: I got one. A dissecent type. But then I got to thinking. Moisture isn’t the end of the world. The primer I’m using is thinned with water. Stewart systems ekoprime. Moisture is a killer to a good paint finish. |
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Posted: 5/13/2024 9:22:36 AM EDT
[#33]
Work on the HS is progressing.
If I had to give advise to someone starting out, it would not be to start with the HS like the plans have you do. Of course thousands of folks have done it, but there’s a lot of head scratching and figuring out how what you’re supposed to do. Doing this right off just throws someone right into the deep end. I think starting on the VS like I had to is a much gentler way to get acclimated to the process, tools and plans reading. As it is, it still took me way too long to figure out what I was supposed to do with the center ribs that have zero pre-drilled holes in them. Finally figured it out, but dang. lol. Anyways, here is where I’m at now.  Attached FileFiguing out these. The front and rear flanges was a bunch of fun…  Attached File |
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Posted: Yesterday 8:03:44 PM EDT
[#34]
Horizontal stab parts ready to be riveted.
 Attached FileSo far I am on my estimated schedule of having the empanage done by June. This should hopefully be done by this weekend. |
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Posted: Yesterday 10:27:57 PM EDT
[#35]
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