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Jims RV-8
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Date:  3-3-2018
Number of Hours:  4.50
Manual Reference:  6-14
Brief Description:  First Fiberglass Foray- Rudder bottom cap

I started in on the first of the fiberglass... I figured since the weather would be warming up soon I would have to fiberglass time ahead on me. Of course, I started in the baby pool with the bottom of the rudder cap. There really isn't any "fiberglass" work to be done (usually) but it is a fiberglass piece which has to be cut to fit around the rudder horns, so I did that...little by little, measure and small cut by measure and small cut. It took a while, but turned out well. I do need to do a little fit work on the top side of the rudder cap where it meets the metal rudder as the fit is not yet "great" there.

Then, I figured I would take the next step and install the tail light adapter that I previously bought from Cleaveland tools. It's just an aluminum ring that is pop riveted into the aft part of the rudder cap and then the light actually screws into the adapter - making it easier to remove the light for maintenance. There is not much room back in the trailing edge of the rudder cap to work with bolts and screws, etc. So the adapter is a good idea. But when I was working on the install I noticed that one of the drilled/tapped holes was drilled crooked. I went inside and worked up an email asking for a replacement from Cleaveland. I dug thru the airplane binder and found the receipt and sent them a copy of that and the picture. I am sure they will take care of it - they are good people. I also realized that the fiberglass cap is not flat where the adapter/light fits. I filed it and smoothed the seams in the rudder cap but there is still a high center/side and the other side does not sit flush - so I will be working on that...real fiberglass work!
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rudder cap, adapter clecoed and AreoLED sun tail light

rudder cap, adapter clecoed and AreoLED sun tail light

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top hole is drilled crooked

top hole is drilled crooked

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