Brief Description: L.& R. flap pushrod installation
Thanks to all you Vets out there that served our country! My goal today was to get the flap pushrods installed. I followed Greg Blanck’s log and used stainless steel rod end bearings and a 5/16” bushing from McMaster Carr to move the pushrods out from the flap as well as providing a stronger link between the pushrod and flap bracket. I installed the right pushrod and marked where it was rubbing on the fuse skin. I opened the hole up using a rotary file in my die grinder. I also had to open up the hole in the floor a small amount as well. I ran the flap weldment to full up and adjusted the rod to bring the flap in line with the aileron. Actually, I had the pushrod on and off about a dozen times to get clearance with the fuse skin. Each time I filed a little more—it’s much easier to take it off slowly than wanting some of it back on. Operated the right flap up and down several times—works smoothly. I checked the maximum down and found I had 40.9 degrees. This is within Van’s limits of 40 to 45. I don’t see any way to get more down travel and keep the flap in line with the aileron when up. So, I moved the left side and repeated the same process of slowly opening up the hole for the pushrod etc. I have 40.8 degrees down flap on the left. I don’t believe .1 of a degree will affect anything-at least I hope not. I got out the F-872pp fairings and taped them in position. It was then I discovered the rivet holes for these fairings are below the rear floor in the fuselage. When I installed the flap weldment, the floor was already clecoed in. How else could one know where to open the pushrod holes in the floor? Oh well, tomorrow I’ll take it all apart and remove the floor. Then I’ll re-assemble everything and begin work on the flap fairings. One other thing I got done today was to trim the aft wing root fairings to give the 3/16” clearance along the sides of the fuse. Still need to trim the forward wing root fairings.
