Dug out the main gear weldments and main gear legs. Used a .3115 reamer to hand ream the predilled holes in the weldment for the AN5 bolts. Those bolts measured .310 to .311. Test fitted the weldments only to find that the right side did not fit flush at all points. No matter how I positioned it I ended with about a 3/16 inch gap on one of the extended weldment mounting points. Checking with Vans on how to fix. I think I will manufacture a tapered shim to fill the eventual gap. Powdercoating overspray was removed by reaming as well as MEK on inside area of tube where gear leg fits tightly. The exit holes in the fuselage bottom had to be slowly enlarged to accomodate the full gear leg, Greased the unpainted surfaces and slid the legs into the weldments and temporarily bolted the legs to the weldments. Left side will fit nicely. The right side needs some shimming. I learned this is a common event with the RV-6A gear weldment. Some bulders cut and reweld the offending mounting tube, some bend it, and many shim the space and move on. I chalk it up to just another one of those adventures of building. I will be a better builder because of these kinds of situations. Finally got the airplane outside and inserted/bolted the wings for the 1st time. I used tapered 3/8 hardware store bolts, grinding the threads off and tapering the ends so they can be tapped into place while automatically aligning the holes. Worked like a charm. Next up, set the gear legs according to plans and drill the weldments. Yeah!!
Wings mounted and supported.
Removed tanks, flaps and ailerons for safety.
Set the right gear weldment into the hole. Not aligned at all yet. Just laying there.
