I have ordered all of the parts for a new rudder build from Van's, so I am very curious to know all of the problems with this rudder, and prove to myself that the rudder clearance issue with the VS is the rudder top rib.
Drilled out all of the rivets for the counter balance skin to reveal something quite shocking...
Where the counter balance skin was in common with the rudder skin - BLUE PLASTIC!!
Whoever assembled the rudder did not remove the blue protective plastic!! This is a BIG no-no.
I am so glad I am building a new rudder.
AS for the rudder top rib, when place on a flat surface, it is quite evidently not flat, and when place right side up, has a large arc in the middle. Just for jollies, I fluted the rib (as I am pretty sure should have been done) and quickly obtained a flat rib.
No matter, the only parts of this rudder I am salvaging will be the rod end bearings, and the rudder top cap fairing... nothing else.
