After finishing all the rudder skin assembly the last thing to do before rolling the leading edges is to rivet the trailing edge of the rudder. This is where two skins converge and the only thing seperating them is a piece of about 1/6" tapered aluminum known as the AEX wedge. Therefore the trailing edge is flimsy until riveted and there is a huge risk of warping or bowing if not done correctly.
I followed the instructions to a "T" which is basically to cleco the trailing edge to a stiffer piece of angle iron or anle aluminum. So i match drilled the trailing edge to a piece of aluminum angle i purchased, deburred the holes in the new angle and assembled everything, including the wedge, to the angle. It was straight as an arrow, then i took it all apart. The next step is to do this over again but with epoxy on both sides of the AEX wedge, so as to glue with together, which will serve as to hold it pretty straight while riveting.
I mixed up a small kit of the pro-seal fuel tank sealant and had my wife spread the trailing edges apart while a laid a thin bead down each side of the AEX wedge. Next, I closed it up and cleco'd it all back to the angle. (wasn't as bad as everyone makes it out to be). Now, this part will sit and sure for a couple days until I take a stab at the "double-flush" rivets on the trailing edge.
Nice & Straight
Pros-Sealed and Cleco'd to Aluminum Stiffener Angle
