Brief Description: Finished up the trim tab and installed
Riveted on control horns. Tight fit, but I was able to do it with the squeezer Riveted on bottom of the z-spar. Needed to use the rivet gun for three of the rivets near the control horn Located elevator side hinge Drilled elevator side hinge Riveted on elevator side hinge Did some hand manipulation of the trim tab. The trailing edge was slightly bowed after riveting on the hinge (not sure if it was bowed before or not). I worked most of the bow out. The plans call for drilling and clecoing the bent tab flanges before riveting the hinge. I decided to rivet the hinge on first. It seemed like too many variables to try and control the shape with to me. It may be the way to go though given my results. I drilled and blind riveted the trim tab bent flanges on each end. No rivet callouts in the drawing or plans. I assumed the blind rivets called out for the elevator bent tabs were applicable (MK-19’s?). The smaller (3/32”) blind rivets would probably work here as well, but I’m out of them (xxx-x?). Per the Van’s plans, I used the hand seamer to bend up the lower flange to clear the rivets holding the z-spar in order to get full down travel of the trim tab. The interference was on the inboard side of the tab indicating that perhaps the hinge was not installed completely straight. Gap between the outboard edge of the tab and the elevator came out greater then the 3/32” minimum. It seemed to have grown some in the process of final riveting. Better then going the other way I guess. Trim tab is finished. I give myself a “C” on the trim tab. It is functional but not perfect. I did avoid the $15 fee for joining the two tab club. Need to roll the leading edges next and install the rod ends. I still have some confusion on the access plate cover in the elevator. The screws for holding the plate in place require machine countersink or dimpling. I couldn’t find any reference to this in the plans or instructions but maybe I need to look again.. I think either would work. I’ll see what I can find out on
