Mar 17, 2023     Floor Panels - (1.0 hour)       Category: Fuselage

I completed installing nut plates on the remaining floor panels, power module side panels and also riveted the doubler to the aft tunnel cover. With this done, I stored the floor panels and power module panels for future installation.

  Mar 17, 2023     canopy Frame - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

I adjusted the canopy frame so the sides were perpendicular to the side skins. It turned out the shims I had to make were fairly large size which was disconcerting, but everything is per the plans so.... The frames are now clamped in place and the drawing from page 38-39 are also taped in place.

  Mar 16, 2023     Canopy Frame - (1.0 hour) Category: Fuselage

Added 8 rivets that somehow I overlooked - which is easy to do. Fortunately they were not difficult to get to and I had no problem getting 'er done. Got to read those plans more closely!

  Mar 15, 2023     Canopy Frame - (1.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

After prepping the frame and with the help of my friends Ethan and Brandan we installed the canopy frame on the fuselage. I carefully checked the frame for the proper clearance before closing it and the fit was perfect. It was nice to see it on the plane for the first time.

  Mar 14, 2023     Canopy Frame - (4.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

I riveted the aft frame to the canopy frame assembly, then riveted the switch brackets to the assembly and also screwed on the canopy pin blocks after countersinking the holes. I also cut the wooden frame alignment blocks and taped them in place. Since I don't yet have the instrument panel, I only temporarily installed the ejection handle and placed it in position to accept the canopy frame.

  Mar 12, 2023     Interior Painting - (4.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Since I don't have a paint booth, waiting for the proper no/low wind AND from the correct direction, has caused many delays and endless frustration. This morning after deciding to not do it - the winds changed direction and I made the decision to go for it. With my friend Dean's help and later my friend Ron came by so Ron and I laid out the parts while Dean prepared his spray gun. Dean volunteered to shoot the paint while Ron and I set everything up. (There sure were a lot of floor and canopy parts parts left to be painted.) I decided to tape the parts to tongue depressors then onto cardboard and a painting table. The wooden tongue depressors kept the parts off the cardboard thereby avoiding blobs of paint adhering the parts to the cardboard. In the end that worked great. That done I 'tacked' them for the final cleaning and Dean started spraying. The aft frame was hung by safety wire so both sides could be easily be painted while the canopy frame was placed on the table, sprayed on one side, then flipped over so we could shoot the other side. Having masked off the top of the frame made it fairly easily to place it down and not smudge anything. The weather is supposed to be rainy and chilly for the next few days so with this complete I can have fun in the hangar by building an airplane!!!! Honestly, I'm not a painter and I'm lucky to have friends who are and love it. There's no way to thank Dean and Ron enough, but maybe dinner and few drinks are in order:-)

  Mar 10, 2023     Preparation for Interior Painting - (1.0 hour)       Category: Fuselage

I masked the portions of the canopy frame structure that won't receive interior paint. Since I don't have a paint booth, I taped wooden sticks on the bottom of many of the individual floor parts so that they will not be lying flat on the cardboard where they will be lying while being painted. Those parts that are larger will be supported by pieces of wood. Before I paint I'll be wiping the areas to be painted with a tack cloth, just to be sure there are no contaminants on them. Unfortunately, it's too windy to paint today, so I'll try again tomorrow morning.

  Mar 09, 2023     Preparation for Interior Painting - (3.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Did a second round of 'scuffing' the interior parts and canopy frame for painting and extensively cleaned of all them with acetone.

  Mar 07, 2023     Preparation for Interior Painting - (2.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Began scotch brighting all the remaining floor pieces and the canopy frame in preparation for painting.

  Feb 10, 2023     Shoulder Belt - (.5 hour)       Category: Fuselage

Installed the cables that attach each of the shoulder straps to the fuselage.

  Jan 24, 2023     Parts Assembly - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

I completed the painting of the canopy lock parts and then prepped and painted the F-01474A left and right stiffener angles. Once dry, I riveted the stiffeners in place. While it may seem simple, and it was, the complexity of getting the rivet squeezer and pop rivet gun in place offered a few challenges. But I got it done and once the stiffener was riveted in place, it was time to rivet the skins in place. Very straight forward, but getting the bucking bar in position was a bit of challenge due to limited space and visibility, but again, it got done. I didn't fret over the scratches on the skin since they'll be gone when the skin is prepped for painting.

  Jan 22, 2023     Parts Fabrication - (4.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Continued work on the canopy frame. I marked the canopy rail angles and fluted them until they were flat. All the #40 attach holes were matched and final drilled as well as the two aft canopy rail angle holes. All the bottom holes (15 on each side) on the rail angles were also countersunk. The aft canopy rail flanges were also countersunk.

  Jan 22, 2023     Interior Preps - (.5 hour)       Category: Fuselage

Installed the idler track assembly. Waiting on parts from Van's to install the pushrods.

  Jan 20, 2023     Interior Preps - (3.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Installed the Left and Right Upper Panel Brackets. These are not easy to do despite what the instructions (which are excellent) lead you to believe:-) The real tough one is near the air vent. Patience is what it takes, lots of patience.

  Jan 19, 2023     Interior Preps - (1.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Drilled the idle cover holes and enlarged pilot side inboard holes to 5/32. Drilled the divider holes on the left and right side. Drilled the bulkhead holes and installed the bulkhead rivnuts

  Jan 18, 2023     Interior Preps - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Continued making progress on the interior. The idler cover 1/8" holes were drilled and appropriately upsized to 5/32", the 1/8" divider holes were drilled and upsized to 5/32"and the bulkhead rivnut holes were drilled to 17/64 after starting at 1/8".

  Jan 17, 2023     interior Preps - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

The handle and latch assembly were reinstalled, this time with the screw that actually now fits into the handle and latch. The bracket these parts go into were sanded smooth. I was also able to install the thin washer on the top of the latch and handle to keep them from getting scratched, although this a little late since the anodized parts have been scratched due to the undersized holes. Regardless, the parts are now installed and the latch action is now excellent. Using the idler cover templates, I drilled the 1/8" holes on the left and right sides of the cockpit.

  Jan 16, 2023     Interior Preps - (2.0 hours) Category: Fuselage

Worked on the handle and latch assembly. Turns out the reason for the tight action was the hole in the latch and handle were undersized. My success at getting the screw installed proved to be a small disaster as the handle and latch didn't work and wouldn't come out. The latch screw had to be 'dremeled' out, the hole drilled to the proper size, and cleaned up for reinstallion. I also did this to the handle.

  Jan 15, 2023     Interior Preps - (1.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

The right side arm rest lower bracket needed to have the holes moved about 1/4 inch so I did that and installed the bracket assembly without further issue. I assembled the parts for the canopy latch assemblies. The latch was difficult to install with the added washer, but I got it done. However, it is very tight and does not respond to the spring action. I'm going to disassemble it and remove the additional washer and live with a few scratches should that happen. Same for the handle assembly.

  Jan 14, 2023     Interior Preps - (1.0 hour)       Category: Fuselage

Continued installing interior parts. After priming the arm rest brackets, I installed the left side bracket. It seems the right one did not fit properly so I'll have to research that a little more.

  Jan 13, 2023     Interior Preps - (1.0 hour)       Category: Fuselage

Per the Classic Aero instructions I began the installation of the interior. Using the armrest template, holes were drilled on the left and right armrest structure. The idler arm bracket was primed and riveted in place on the left side. The arm rest bracket (L&R) were primed on one side due to time constraints. The other side will be done tomorrow.

  Jan 12, 2023     Parts Fabrication - (2.0 hours) Category: Fuselage

Continued separating and deburring many parts for the seat brackets as well deburring the rear bulkhead panel.

  Jan 11, 2023     Parts Fabrication - (2.0 hours) Category: Fuselage

More deburring of many small and large parts.

  Jan 10, 2023     Floor Panels - (1.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Dimpled the floor panels for nut plate installation as well as the Section 59 Power Module Install Parts, which were also deburred.

  Jan 09, 2023     Floor Panels - (2.0 hours) Category: Fuselage

Deburred the remaining floor panels and a few misc parts.

  Jan 08, 2023     Parts Fabrication - (1.0 hour) Category: Fuselage

Yep, more deburring. This time it's the control stick cover panel pieces and the flap housing panels AND there's many more pieces requiring deburring.

  Jan 06, 2023     EXP-119 Airframe Mods - (.5 hour)       Category: Fuselage

Removed 2 the muffler support brackets that aren't used for the EXP-119 engine version. They were in the former muffler tunnel in the center of the forward fuselage and in the way of the new cowl flap door. Rather than drill the rivets completely out I left enough material in the hole to block the flow of hot air beyond the tunnel. Later, I plan to cover the remaining rivet material with hi-temp RTV for additional protection.

  Aug 09, 2022     EXP119 Mods - (1.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

With the help of my friend Dean we drilled out the appropriate exhaust tunnel rivets, final drilled each hole to a #19 size to accept a #8 screw later in the build. Number 40 nut plate holes were drilled with the #19 holes as a guide, and the nut plates were riveted in place except for the aft most nut plate where I decided to use blind rivets due to limited access to buck solid rivets.

  Aug 08, 2022     EXP119 Mods - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

While waiting for some parts to continue the wing build, I switched gears and began preparing the fuselage for the EXP119 version of the IO-0390 Engine. After talking with Lycoming, they were very accommodating and the engine I ordered in June 2021 will be delivered in about 90 days. So today, rather than replace the lower cowl attach pieces (of my QB Fuselage) with new modified ones per OP-62, I modified the Quick Built existing ones avoiding to have to reseal new pieces to the fuselage. I did this by using a Dremel cutting wheel to cut off a section of the existing bracket, then filed and sanded it smooth. It's now ready for the plate nut installation.

  Jul 07, 2022     Forward Skin Stiffeners - (.5 hour)       Category: Fuselage

The two forward skin stiffeners were riveted in place among with the skin they were attached too.

  Jul 07, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

The aft rivets on the rollover structure have been set and installation of this portion of the build is now complete.

  Jul 06, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (2.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Riveting of the forward portion of the roll over structure brace is complete. With the help of my friend Dean, the four rivets attaching the forward empennage skin to the roll over brace have been riveted along with many misc. rivets that attach the forward empennage skin to the baggage bulkhead. There are still a few, difficult to reach rivets, remaining to be set.

  Jul 05, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (2.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Began installation of the newly painted roll over structure parts; frame and doublers along with the bushings. The top center hole on each frame base was countersunk per the plans and the brace was clecoed in place. Also we discovered the F-01431D straps where installed on the wrong sides. Thus, 23 rivets on each side were drilled out, the parts swapped and then properly reinstalled. Be careful on this as the instructions were a little confusing when also looking at the pictures. Not a big deal but...

  Jul 04, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Final painted the roll over bar assembly, the roll bar brace, bushing doublers and skin stiffeners.

  Jul 03, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

The holes at the base of the roll over structure, including the bushing doubler were matched drilled to #30 from the frame thru to the base angle. The structure was removed and the all holes were deburred. Flush rivet heads on the structure that protruded were sanded flat.

  Jul 02, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Today, I riveted the aft roll bar frame to the forward frame and the window shims to the aft frame. I then clecoed the frame to the fuselage (It fit perfectly.) The roll over brace was also clecoed in place. So far the structure looks really good.

  Jul 01, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (3.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

With the roll over structure disassembled and the machine countersinking completed on the forward roll bar frame, it's time to reassemble the forward roll bar frame with the F-01431B and F-01431C Roll Bar Straps installed. Having misunderstood the instructions I had also countersunk the inboard flange of the forward frame. Not a big deal and it actually looks really nice with flush rivets. Anyway, the riveting proceeded uneventfully and it came out well. Next, I machine countersunk the F-01431B Outboard Roll Bar Strap for the dimpled F-01432A Roll Bar Brace. Finally, I riveted the aft C-01432 Bushing Doublers to the Aft Roll Bar Frame Assembly, installed the Bushings, then riveted the C-01433 Bushing Covers in place.

  Jun 30, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (4.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

All deburring of the entire structure is now complete. Countersinking of the inside and outside flanges of the forward part of the structure are complete.

  Jun 29, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (1.5 hours) Category: Fuselage

Began the deburring of the roll over structure.

  Jun 28, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (3.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

The 100+ rollover structure #40 holes were enlarged to #30. They were also deburred as I drilled them. Of course there were a number of holes that don't get oversized or drilled at this point. (They are taped or black X'ed so as to be sure not to touch them at this point.)

  Jun 27, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (3.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

While installed on the fuselage, the aft roll over structure had 4 rivets set to the splice plate. Then the remaining splice plate rivets were set after being held by a vise. It's much easier to rivet that way. The entire roll over structure frame and straps were then clecoed together. Only a small out of 'bending' was necessary to get a good fit of the straps onto the frame. The holes that are not to be drilled were also marked as a reminder in case I get carried away with the drill:-)

  Jun 26, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

The forward roll over structure was clecoed to the fuselage and the splice plate was also clecoed in place. The 2 outside rivets and the 2 top center rivets were set, the structure removed and placed in a vise. The remaining 20 rivets were set and the forward roll over structure was set aside until later. The aft roll over structure was clecoed in place and the splice plate was also clecoed to the left and right parts of the structure.

  Jun 25, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (.5 hour) Category: Fuselage

Reprimed a few of the edges of the roll over structure parts that needed a little more coverage.

  Jun 22, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (1.0 hour)       Category: Fuselage

Today I primed various components of the roll over structure. This priming was for the face of the parts that will not have the finish coat color applied. I also test fit the plastic bushings that are to be installed along the tunnel. I cut a 1/4 inch piece of plastic from the bushings so they may be installed and wires cables etc., may be inserted in each one. Once all the wires are installed a simple turn of the bushing 180 degrees will lock the wires inside the bushing. This will allow wires to be slid into place rather than fed thru each bushing and hopefully connectors that are preinstalled, and too large to fit in the bushings, will thus be able to remain intact.

  Jun 20, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (.5 hour)       Category: Fuselage

I finished cleaning and primed the splice plates. I also finished cleaning and then primed the CS-00004 Stick Link Pushrod. After the stick link pushrod dried I removed the tape protecting the rod end bearing. While the parts were drying I gathered the bolts, washers and nuts for assembly to the stick base.

  Jun 18, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (2.0 hours) Category: Fuselage

Spent a couple of hours acetone cleaning the rollover structure in preparation for painting later this week when the rain stops and the wind dies down or I get up early in the morning (that's likely not going to happen.)

  Jun 16, 2022     Flap Control Assembly - (3.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

I found a steel pushrod at the local hobby shop and rebent the steel rod using the same dimensions but waiting until it was installed before bending the slight angle to keep to from coming out of the hole. I installed the miniature molex pins on the wires of the sensor and then installed the sensor assembly onto the flap motor channel. Next I reinstalled the flap crank into the flap rod assembly and refastened all 4 bolts (one eighth turn at a time:-) Finally the pushrod was installed - with no issue! Up and down test were done and the system performed wonderfully!

  Jun 15, 2022     Flap Control Assembly - (4.0 hours) Category: Fuselage

The flap position sensor is next on the list to install. Unfortunately, at least for me, the #30 hole required for the flap position pushrod was not drilled at the factory, likely due to it being such an early serial number. Rats! After numerous tries attempting to drill the hole in place, I had no success. Rats again! This meant removing the 4 bolts in the flap crank and pulling the flap crank out of the assembly. It's not as simple as it sounds as it required positioning the bolts so I could turn them about 1/8 turn at a time. Trust me, this took a lot of time. With the flap crank removed drilling the hole was easy. Deburring it was not as easy, but it got done. Installing the pushrod as per the plans proved futile. The angles were just not right. I called it a day and went searching for a new pushrod.

  Jun 14, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (2.0 hours) Category: Fuselage

Scotch bright work on the roll over structure parts was finally completed this afternoon. Acetone cleanup of the parts begins soon, maybe:-)

  Jun 11, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (1.5 hours) Category: Fuselage

More fun as I continued to work on the roll bar components. This time separating all of the bushing doublers and of course deburring all the edges. I also deburred the roll bar straps and window shims. I believe that takes care of deburring the roll over components. Next up; scotch brighting all the parts in preparation for painting.

  Jun 10, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (4.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Completed deburring the much of, but not all of, the roll over structure components. Both the left and right upper flanges of the roll over brace brackets were dimpled. I then riveted the roll over brace brackets to the roll bar brace. Next, I fitted the roll bars to the supports on the fuselage, clecoed them in place and then took the roll bar splice plate and temporarily clecoed it to the left and right roll bar frames - just to see how it looked.

  Jun 09, 2022     Roll Over Structure - (1.0 hour)       Category: Fuselage

I began deburring the roll over structure components. They're fairly large and the shear marks run deep, so sadly, this may take a while. Oh well, it's all part of the journey. Two down, lots to go.

  Jun 09, 2022     Brake System - (.5 hour)       Category: Fuselage

Completed the tightening (in lieu of torquing) of the brake fitting nuts. I also installed the 4 zip ties as called out in the plans, however I feel more will be necessary once the nylaflex lines are placed in their final positions. It only took few minutes for my friend Dean to climb into the fuselage and place a few more zip ties on the lines. I'm thankful for his agility.

  Jun 08, 2022     Brake System - (3.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

After gathering all the necessary parts for installing the hydraulic brake lines, I began by measuring (twice or more) the 'plastic' lines and cutting them to the appropriate lengths. Once complete, I drilled, #29, the ends of each tube that required the compression fittings (nut, sleeve and brass insert). Fortunately, (or maybe not) it was hot enough in my hangar that boiling water to complete the installation of the brass insert into the tubes wasn't necessary. All the lines were threaded through the bushings and, for now, were finger tightened in place. Both ends of the lines going into the firewall tee were pressed into place by at least 1/2 inch.

  Apr 30, 2022     Baggage floor panels - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Today I installed the forward side panels and riveted both the left and right side panels into the side substructure and the floor. The side panels are now completely riveted in place and the few remaining rivets for the floor panels were also installed. The baggage area is now complete.

  Apr 29, 2022     Baggage floor panels - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

My friend Dean came by and we riveted the floor and side panels to the baggage bulkhead.

  Apr 28, 2022     Baggage floor panels - (2.0 hours) Category: Fuselage

My friend Paul came by and we continued riveting the baggage floor panels. Later that day, I completed installing the blind rivets into the floor panels. I then clecoed the left and right aft side panels in place.

  Apr 27, 2022     Baggage floor panels - (2.0 hours) Category: Fuselage

Easy day, I continued riveting the baggage floor panels.

  Apr 26, 2022     Baggage floor panels - (6.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

I began riveting the right and left floors onto the substructure. The squeezed rivets around the inside and front were done first. Most were easily accessible. There are couple of rivets that will require some thought as they're difficult to reach, at least with the equipment I currently have. Also, it appears many of the nut plates will require blind rivets as access is just too tight. I checked with Vans and there is a callout for CCR-264SS-3-2 rivets next to the usual AN426AD3-3.5 rivets. These CCR rivets may replace those rivets in non structural applications. Good to know. I then started to install the blind fasteners. Again, there are a few blind rivets that are difficult to access. Using the 'tool' we made for the tail, to squarely align the rivet it made the job much easier. The right floor is nearly complete and the left floor is about 50%.

  Apr 25, 2022     Baggage floor panels - (1.0 hour) Category: Fuselage

Began riveting the baggage floor nut plates. In particular the inside line of nut plates on the left and right floors.

  Apr 23, 2022     Baggage floor panels - (3.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

With the fuselage on it's side, I temporarily clecoed the floors in place for a fit check. All went well. Then the floors were fully clecoed in place. The forty or so plate nuts were clecoed in place. NOTE: Some of the sixteen plate nuts around the access panels were awkward to install. After dropping one that managed to find a lightening hole and dropped down to the bottom of the fuselage, I had to remove the floor, yet again, to find the errant plate nut in a crevice in the floor ribs at the bottom. Thus, I decided to tape over the lightning holes to prevent that stupid mistake again. Your results may vary. I then clecoed the seat hinges in place and did a final check to ensure all the plate nuts were ready for riveting.

  Apr 18, 2022     Fuselage construction - (1.0 hour)       Category: Fuselage

The rudder cables were drawn thru the interior of the mid fuselage. The left and right baggage floors were clecoed in place in for a final check to be sure all the holes have been properly dimpled - or not before the riveting begins.

  Apr 18, 2022     Flap Controls Fabrication - (3.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

The control tubes were sanded and greased and placed into the bushings inside the fuselage. The control arm was prepped by sanding the ends to fit between the left and right control tubes. The tubes were then pushed into the control arm, the attach holes were and lined up. All the parts were bolted and torqued together.

  Apr 16, 2022     Flap Control Fabrication - (3.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Today, I did the same for the mirror imaged right side, as I did yesterday for the left side of the flap actuation system. NOTE: Before drilling be sure to do a logic check to ensure that when assembled, the parts, when put together, all face the proper direction. Once everything was assembled holes were drilled, then,as usual it was disassembled, deburred and filed as necessary. The parts were then taped up so that the interior of the tubes could be primed. With that done, I'm now letting the parts dry before installation.

  Apr 15, 2022     Flap Control Fabrication - (3.5 hours) Category: Fuselage

After gathering the parts for fabricating the flap actuation assembly, I used a board to lay the parts out and measure the appropriate distance between the flap torque arm and the flap crank. I installed the flap alignment tool then clamped the parts together, double and tripled checked everything before clecoing and drilling the required holes.

  Apr 14, 2022     Rudder and Brake Pedals - (4.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

A young friend of mine, Ethan, stopped by to chat and I asked him if he would like to help build parts of my -14. He jumped on that invitation. He had no experience riveting, but soon learned how. After some 'mechanical ground school' he soon learned first hand how to hand squeeze rivets (large ones at that) and do pop-riveting. Under careful supervision, he had completed almost all of the riveting necessary to produce the four pedals. He did a mighty fine job and the finished products speak for themselves.

  Apr 12, 2022     Rudder and Brake Pedals - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Completed all deburring and clecoed together all 4 pedal parts. I decided not to prime paint or do anything to the rudder/brake pedals. I think they actually look fine the way they are.

  Apr 07, 2022     Rudder and Brake Pedals - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Deburring is the order of the day, as is clecoing one of the rudder pedals together. With one complete as a model, I'll can build the other three. Once complete, I'll disassemble them as my current plan is to prime all the pieces (and maybe paint them) except for the actual pedal and leave that natural. Powder coating, anodizing or painting the pedal face will all get scratched and look awful after a few months of flying. All this subject to change once I wake up tomorrow morning:-)

  Apr 03, 2022     Fuselage Fuel System - (1.0 hour)       Category: Fuselage

Attached the fuel filter to the fuel pump. Attached the ring terminal to the black wire, the blade receptacle to the red wire and attached the assembly to the fuselage. I also installed the plastic snap bushings for the rudder cables since I had time. Things are sure easier to reach with the fuselage lying on its side. With many parts still on back order I'm trying to do what I can accomplish to do even though things are really out of sequence. I hope that works out without having to disassemble too much. Time will tell.

  Mar 31, 2022     Fuselage Parts Fabrication and Installation - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Completed the construction and installation of the flap rod bearings in the fuselage. (Only 3 are pictured)

  Mar 28, 2022     Fuselage Rotator - (4.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Designed and built a rotation device to provide better access to the interior of the fuselage. I tried hard to avoid this, but the pain of reaching in was more than I wanted to deal with. It's tough getting old.

  Mar 26, 2022     Pitch Torque Tubes - (6.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Over the past few days I have finally completed the installation of the mid and forward pitch control tubes. The reason for the disproportionate amount of time spent on this 'simple' project was strictly my inability to simply reach the bolts, washers and lock nuts either from inside the fuselage or from the side. Fat hands, my inability to twist (although shouting was a useful part of the solution) and to reach both sides of the nut and bolts all contributed to the length time for completion of this task. With many thanks to friends who stopped by and helped, it's now complete. Tools to align the pushrod bearings with the holes in the attach points are really useful here.

  Mar 17, 2022     Fuselage construction - (2.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Withe the bottom row of rivets for connecting the aft bottom skin to the forward bottom skin and the two flooring edge ribs riveted to the bottom skin and the baggage bulkhead - the connection of the aft fuselage and the forward fuselage - is now a fuselage. Whaoo!!! Little victories.

  Mar 16, 2022     Fuselage construction - (4.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Continued riveting the aft/forward fuselage per page 30-08. The side skins are now completely riveted. The bottom skin is nearly completely riveted to the inner structure. The bottom skin to bulkhead and the outboard ribs are all that are left to be completed. My experienced helper Dean, who has built a beautiful RV-14 just chuckles when I say "all that is left....":-)

  Mar 13, 2022     Fuselage construction - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Riveted the six baggage floor ribs to the fuselage bottom skin as per the second half of Step 4, page 30-08.

  Mar 03, 2022     Fuselage construction - (1.0 hour) Category: Fuselage

Riveted the baggage bulkhead sides to the lower baggage bulkhead.

  Mar 01, 2022     Aft Fuselage Attachment - (2.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

With the help of Dean and Jeff, all of the upper aft fuselage skin rivets, per the plan, are now riveted in place.

  Mar 01, 2022     Brake System - (1.0 hour) Category: Fuselage

Separated many of the brake parts and deburred them.

  Feb 28, 2022     Aft Fuselage Attachment - (5.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

With outstanding help from Dean and Paul a total fuselage is born - the empennage was mated to the forward fuselage. It went per the book, even with the pitch servo and the control push rods already installed in the aft fuselage. The initial mating procedure was fairly quick, then came the routine work (clecoing and riveting,) which is still in progress. Some of those rivets are quite difficult to access to either hand or pneumatically squeeze or use a rivet gun and various bucking bar(s). No sheet metal or paint was harmed in the making of this fuselage:-)

  Feb 26, 2022     Interior Painting - (4.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

I completely removed the firewall masking and I'm very pleased with the results.

  Feb 25, 2022     Fuselage Parts Fabrication and Installation - (3.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

The NACA vents and their eyeball air devices were installed. I decided to use regular -06 self locking nuts rather than the the tiny -06 nuts as called out. Perhaps if future maintenance is needed, I might be able to get a grip on them. I also decided on using a carbon fiber styled pattern on the vent plates to match the future instrument panel. Using the pieces left over from my RV-7A build finally paid off. The assemblies were silicone sealed to the fuselage and screwed in place - just to be sure.

  Feb 24, 2022     Interior Painting - (7.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

With the help of Dean and Paul we carried all the parts to be painted; the fuselage, tail cone, and interior parts - outside the hangar and we did this early in the morning when the winds were calm and temperatures were warm. Dean and I assembled the spray equipment, set the pattern and adjusted the air pressure. After testing the spray on a piece of cardboard everything was set and the painting began. Hours later all the parts were carried into the hangar and properly positioned for future work. When the paint had dried to the touch I began pulling off the tape and masking materiel. Next was the cleanup, fortunately there wasn't much mess, but the sprayer need a thorough cleaning, and it got it.

  Feb 23, 2022     Preparation for Interior Painting - (3.0 hours) Category: Fuselage

Scotch 'brighted' the aluminum surfaces that are to be painted and cleaned them with acetone.

  Feb 22, 2022     Preparation for Interior Painting - (2.0 hours) Category: Fuselage

Continued to tape and prep the interior and exterior of the tail cone. All the ares that will be painted have been prepped with scotch bright and cleaned with acetone.

  Feb 21, 2022     Preparation for Interior Painting - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

I masked the tail cone in preparation for painting. Also, gathered some of the piece parts that will be painted separately before assembly.

  Feb 19, 2022     Preparation for Interior Painting - (3.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

More masking for the interior paint. The Fuselage portion is now complete.

  Feb 17, 2022     Preparation for Interior Painting - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Continued masking the interior floor and side panels.

  Feb 16, 2022     Preparation for Interior Painting - (10.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Over the past week I have been preparing both the Empennage and the QB Fuselage for interior painting. (boring!!) Due to Van's new corrosion system that looks like Zinc Chromate, the green has to be go and be painted gray. So today was a minor milestone as my friend Donna crawled under the forward part of the fuselage and applied my templates to the firewall to mask the stainless parts from being painted as my personal feeling is that the firewall shouldn't be painted. With that done, the remaining parts of the fuselage that don't require paint can now be masked off. Then if the morning temperatures can be above 60 with no wind, I'll paint it and move on.

  Feb 07, 2022     Fuselage Parts Fabrication - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

I installed plate nuts on the left vent duct assembly. Then I taped the outlets in preparation for interior painting and screwed both vent ducts onto the fuselage. The fit for both are fine. I also taped over all the 'holes' on the firewall in preparation for interior painting.

  Dec 31, 2021     Fuselage Parts Fabrication       Category: Fuselage

The left baggage floor is now semi-complete as is the right one with the appropriate plate nuts riveted in place and the left side seat hinges drilled and deburred.. I completed cutting and deburring a few elevator parts and called it a year. Happy New Year.

  Dec 30, 2021     Baggage floor panels - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Deburred the right floor panel. Then dimpled the appropriate #30 and #40 holes. I moved onto the setback hinges. Laid out the appropriate lines for cutting the long hinge into the 6 pieces that are necessary for the seats. Then I removed the two middle eyelets for each of the 12 hinge pieces. Located and drilled the single #30 attach hole, clecoed each of the three hinges to the right floor and match drilled the remaining holes. All the holes were deburred and labeled with their matching pair then stored for later use.

  Dec 29, 2021     Baggage Area Bulkheads - (1.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Completed riveting the plate nuts on to the L, R and Center bulkheads.

  Dec 29, 2021     Parts Assembly - (.5 hour)       Category: Fuselage

Completed the shoulder harness lug and clip. Parts were deburred, countersunk and riveted.

  Dec 27, 2021     Fuel Brackets - (.5 hour)       Category: Fuselage

Separated and smoothed the edges on all 8 fuel line brackets.

  Dec 27, 2021     Baggage Area Bulkheads - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Completed dimpling all 3 parts that comprise the rear baggage bulkhead. Clecoed the nut plates in place on all 3 parts.

  Dec 26, 2021     Air Vents - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Completed trimming and fitting the left and right vents. They're now ready for 'gluing' to the fuselage.

  Dec 24, 2021     Air Vents - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Trimmed both of the air ducts, fitted then clamped the gaspers, angle bracket and vent ducts together. Drilled the three holes. Great fit so far.

  Dec 22, 2021     QB Fuselage Assembly - (4.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

At this point the QB instructions state to install the landing gear braces. I did, but... then many pages later it says to install a nut plate that just happens to be under the braces. Duh! Perhaps a note to that effect in the instructions would have been helpful. On the other hand, if I were to have read ahead I might have figured it out. Lesson learned - read ahead and study the drawings. Anyway I digress. These darn braces are a very tight fit in a somewhat hard to reach area, especially for us fat fingered builders. Taking them seemed harder than putting them in. A lot of forceful encouragement was needed to remove those tight fitting bolts. Once removed, the two nut plates were riveted in place. Then the gear braces were reinstalled. What a cluster.

Moving on to the side vents. Both the vent brackets were separated and deburred. Since I had bought the upgraded SV-6 Vents I didn't need to enlarge the cutout in the bracket, whew! Both fresh air vent ducts were trimmed per plan. Fortunately, the aft faces of vents were flat and didn't need trimming/flattening.

  Dec 21, 2021     QB Fuselage Assembly - (1.0 hour) Category: Fuselage

Installed a number of nut plates on the bottom of the fuselage.

  Dec 20, 2021     Lower Gear Braces - (2.0 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Finished priming the lower gear braces. Installed the brake fittings on each (note the 6.9 degree angle of the fittings):-) then installed each of the gear braces onto the fuselage. The bolts/nuts were not tightened per the plans.

  Dec 19, 2021     Gear Leg Openings - (3.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Completed making the rectangular holes for the gear legs. Primed the lower gear leg braces. Deburred the brake line holes and the rectangular openings.

  Dec 18, 2021     Fuselage construction - (1.5 hours)       Category: Fuselage

After reviewing the plans, QB construction got underway. The two brake line holes were drilled and enlarged. Without a building a fixture to rotate the fuselage I decided to not just drill the corner holes for the rectangular gear strut openings, but to drill a number of holes and use a small saw to cut the opening and then file the edges smooth. After building a couple of planes I had worn out a number of the cheap tools from Harbor Freight, so a trip back to the store to replace them was necessary. Still $$ ahead:-)

  Dec 17, 2021     Inventory - (2.0 hours) Category: Fuselage

Completed the inventory. Only a bag of rivets were missing. There were however, a lot of backordered parts.

  Dec 16, 2021     Inventory - (2.0 hours) Category: Fuselage

Continued the inventory.

  Dec 15, 2021     Inventory - (2.0 hours) Category: Fuselage

Began the inventory and storage of parts.

  Dec 10, 2021     Arrival       Category: Fuselage

The fuselage arrived today! Hooray! Cursory inspection shows no dents or dings. This weekend is inventory time! The truck was huge and 60 feet away, tucked inside of it, was this tiny little thing, no crate, or anything. Three of us easy handled it and placed it on a carpet inside the hangar. Time for the next Chapter to begin.