Flaps to fuselage gap

[Harveyseven]

Hi,

I'm trimming my flaps on my RV7 to get the gap ‘right’ between them and the fuselage. So far I’ve got about 1/16” and wondered what gap size other builders had gone for. Too big and it will look massive and too small and it will look great in the workshop but after painting and when flying and vibrations, it might scuff the side of my shiny new aircraft.
Maybe 1/8” is ideal, however, as I can trim material off but can’t add it, I thought I’d throw it out there for any comments.
No Vans type measurements like 3/32” or 7/64” please (those who’ve built the slow build kit will understand)

thanks

[bruceh]

I can't speak for the -7, but there are references on the plans (page 9 top view) of the RV-9 for leaving a nominal 1/4" gap between aileron and wing tip, and a nominal 3/16" gap between aileron and flap. The wing root fairings need a 1/8" gap between the side skin of the fuselage and the wing skin.
Ideally, I don't think you need to trim the flap to fuselage gap, but I know on the RV-10 it requires quite a bit of trimming. I would go with 1/8" minimum.

[Harveyseven]

Ok, thanks Bruce.
You’re correct in what you say, for the aileron to flap and wing tip, wing root to fuselage measurements are laid down but not a specific measurement for the flap to fuselage. I’ll go with 1/8”.

[bullojm1]

Which is about the same thickness as a thick sharpie!