I notice the rudder and elevator stiffeners are slightly curved out of the box, probably from the forming process. I am considering fluting the undrilled flange to straighten the drilled side. this will ensure the entire length of the stiffener will lay true against the rudder/elevator skin prior to riveting. Anyone encounter this before, and if so, did you address it in any way?
Do the stiffeners still come as one long piece and you have to cut them out ? I don't recall having to flute mine. Maybe the piece is manufactured differently now ?
I think mine were ever so slightly curved when they were one long piece. Once they were cut out, it was not noticable, and they went right on without any problems.
I didn't notice any curve on mine once they were cut into small pieces and shaped, the same has been true for the fuel tank and aileron stiffeners in my case.
I wouldn't worry about it. You will be using a back rivet set (if you have one), which will push the stiffener down as the rivet sets. The bow of that thin angle is not enough to make the rudder skin bow. Mine looks fine, and I had the same issue.
