February 20, 2006
Today I started where I left off last night, on the ailerons. My fuel tank procrastination continues. Chad stopped by and helped me drill, debur, and dimple the stiffener holes.
He did that while I clecoed the right leading edge together. Note: These pictures were taken the next day.
This day was a mess, literally. I didn't take many pictures. Here is what I wrote before I went to bed though.
Aileron work, drilled, dimpled stiffies
Fuel tank vent tubes. Had to remove 3 or 4 times, modified bushings for sender wire. Flared tube, shortened tube. Took lunch.
Realized missing reinforcement plate on the out board rib.
Sealed and riveted inboard rib. This is where the real pain started. First the leading edge rivets suck, sticking out a little, and are little crooked which will lead to another problem. After finishing all the skin rivets, placed the angle stock in place and no joy. It doesn't fit like prior to riveting. Well two things were happening, the shop heads on the skin rivets where in the way, therefore I cleaned the angle stock and took it to the wheel. That help but a nudge from the mallet was needed. Secondly I noticed the rib bowed in. panicked started to rise. I thought about stopping and taking a break but the sealant would be a pain to clean. I ran to Chad 's for his extra pair of hands. With his help we were able to rivet. This has been real trying. If the stress don't get me I think the MEK or acetone fumes will and if they don't the Proseal has a pretty good shot, that stuff is noxious. Dan explains this process pretty well. Basically this stuff gets everywhere. If the chemicals don't get me I am sure my hear will probably be toast. Chad shot while I bucked with my head up in the inner bay with no ear muffs. Oh boy, that was dumb, my ears actually ached after wards. If you are still think about building a plane. Think again, it is just hazardous to your health.
Tighten bnc, and vent nut. Wonder if I need any goop?
Modified the outboard reinforcement plate to be riveted on the outside. Will call Vans tomorrow for their opinion.
I wanted to get this thing wrapped up but decided to clean up, call it quits before I do something stupid because I feeling a little flustered.
Chad and I flew up to Nancy 's for some greasy food.
I am not much of a writer so am going to say that about some's up the following shots.
