Clecoed VS-801 to 803. Then clecoed all rudder hinge brackets. Finish drilled all spar holes.
Fluted and finished edges on all ribs. Finished edges on spars.
Assembled and finish drilled all vertical stabilizer understructure components.
Riveted the rear spar assembly, HS-404, 405, and 706 to 601.
Blind riveted rear spar to HS-708.
This completes the first major sub assembly!
Riveted the right horizontal stabilizer skin to the understructure. Went well.
More riveting. As the horizontal stabilizer skin is closed up, it becomes difficult to reach the forward rivets with the bucking bar. We modified Dick’s favorite bar and polished it with the scotchbrite wheel. No drill outs today.
We finished the left side today. It looks good!
Dick and I did more riveting on the left side of the horizontal stabilizer. We completed the top side rivets and got started on the bottom.
Today we started the flush riveting of the left horizontal skin. Since neither Dick nor I have done much flush riveting, we checked every rivet with a rivet guage. We drilled out a few using the rivet removal tool and replaced them. We are pleased with the morning’s results. Not a whole […]
Dick and I riveted HS-609 to HS-603 and HS 421 and 413 hinge brackets to the rear spar. I then bolted the HS-412 bearing to the spar and riveted HS-710 and 714 to the front spars. We also riveted HS-404 and 405 to front spar.
The DRDT-2 front assembly arrived today. I am extremely pleased with the quality. Its’ bolt holes matched perfectly the holes I had drilled and tapped in the frame. I installed a set of Dale’s 3/32 dies and was dimpling skin within 20 minutes of the time FedEx delivered the front assembly. […]
I used the MIG welder on its highest amperage setting of 130 and .030 wire. I spot welded every weld first, then stitched all of them to limit pulling of the metal. I had to do some grinding to get the final product to look good, but I am happy with it. […]