Elevator/Rudder Leading Edges

A forum in which to discuss topics specific to the assembly of the RV 8/8A
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RobDob
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Elevator/Rudder Leading Edges

Post by RobDob »

Hi all

After some advice again please from all you knowledgeable folk!

I need to roll the leading edges of the elevators & rudder to rivet together, is there a fairly easy way to do this getting a nice finish? It's giving me trouble at the moment and I don't want to wreck it if there is a good way of doing it.

Any suggestions are gratefully received!

Thanks guys.

Rob
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BSwayze
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Post by BSwayze »

Rob,
I used round dowels duct-taped to the leading edge to roll them until the proper curvature was achieved. I would only do one small section at a time, rather than try to bend the whole thing at once. Go slowly, take your time, and bend them a little at a time until you get them just right. I also used an edge-roller before starting to put the slight bend in the aluminum. It makes a tighter and better fit. You can see it if you look close in this photo:

Image
Bruce Swayze
Portland, Oregon
http://www.BrucesRV7A.com
RV-7A Working on Firewall Forward

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RobDob
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Post by RobDob »

Thanks Bruce, I appreciate your help!
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Spike
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Post by Spike »

I never found an easy way to do it, or got to a point of real perfection. It was one of those things I just had to wrestle with it for a while until I was satisfied.

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Dan A
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Post by Dan A »

A good, old-fashioned broom handle works good also.
Dan

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Mike Balzer
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Post by Mike Balzer »

I recommend that you have a helper and double up the duct tape so that it does not tear. The rudder was much harder than the elevator.
Take your time, this is a PITA.


Mike Balzer
It is better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, then being in the air and wishing you were on the ground. N78MB

Bob Barrett
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Post by Bob Barrett »

I used 3/4" galvanized pipe. Duct tape stuck to it better and then my pipe wrenches really helped! My Brother also was there and I believe we had a pipe wrench on each end of the pipe.

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RobDob
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Post by RobDob »

Thanks Guys, keep you posted!!!
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