Mar 02, 2024     Received Finish Kit - (3 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Finally received the finish kit from Van's after more than 2 years of waiting and a massive price increase.

  Jan 28, 2024     Inspect fuselage rivet quality, study plans and build manual - (3 hours) Category: Fuselage

Inspected fuselage rivet quality, marked any defects with blue tape.
Studied build manual and plans for fuselage.

  Dec 25, 2021     Front deck - (2 hours)       Category: Fuselage

I removed the 2024-T3 deck and installed the 6061-T6 deck. It does seem that the 6061 deck does fit a bit better, but it's got a tiny bit of surface corrosion and just looks dull. It also seems to be a bit softer. I need to reach out to some experts and make a decision of which one to use.

One big issue with the 2024-T3 deck is the rivet holes are countersunk. They are dimpled on the 6061 deck, and because of this, the framework underneath is also dimpled. I have a feeling that countersinks over dimples isn't the best idea.

  Dec 17, 2021     Identified sheet metal components, assembled forward deck - (3 hours)       Category: Fuselage

Identified the sheet metal components that were laying loose in the bottom of the fuselage. Assembled the forward deck and the structure.
There were two deck coverings, one made of 6061-T6, and the other made of 2024 alclad. I believe the 2024 was the original piece shipped with the kit, the 6061 was constructed after the fact to try to correct some alignment issues.

I clecoed in the 2024 piece since the alloy seemed more correct. It looks good, but I'll try the 6061 piece next to see what the differences are. If the 6061 looks better, I may use it as a pattern and attempt to make a third one from 2024.