Brief Description: Rod end bearings and counter balance weights
This morning I decided to get some of the other items dones that are normally done after the trailing edges are riveted. I started with installing the rod end bearings in the left & right elevators and the rudder. The plans have a detailed measurment for the distance the bearing ends are set. These are the points that the elevators will be attached to horizonal stabilizer and the rudder will be attached to vertical stabilizer. I needed to scew the rod end into the nutplate without damaging the rod ends. A vise grip would work but not without marking up the parts. I've seen some builders fabricate a wrench made out of PVC pipe, but that seamed too much. I decided to fabricate my own wrench......out of the dowel rod (broom stick) I used to roll the leading edge of the rudder. I drilled a 1/2" hole in the center of the dowel. I then cut a 3/8 notch across the end with the band saw. That's it! It took me about 5 minutes. I insert the end of the dowel over the rod end and twist it in. Next I trimmed and attached the counter balance weights in the right and left elevators. I trimmed the lead weights on the band saw. I was going to wait another day for the pro-seal to cure, but I decided to go ahead and rivet the small trailing edge on the left elevator. I removed the clecoes and cleaned the extra pro-seal off with M.E.K. I then back riveted the edge about halfway, then turned over the elevator and finished the rivets with a mushroom set. The double flush rivets came out perfect and the trailing edge of the elevator is straight. I hope the longer trailing edges of the rudder and right elevator turn out just as well.
Rod end bearing tool fabricated from a 1" dowel rod
