1.2 Hours -
To this point, I’ve waffled on whether or not to build the elevators simultaneously. Finally, I decided I will build them in the order laid out in the instructions. Both elevators will have the stiffeners back-riveted in place (also the trim access panel reinforcement plate on the left elevator). Then, I will set the left elevator aside and completely build the right elevator. Once the right is done, I’ll return to the left. The left is also a bit more complicated due to the trim tab, so I figure it is best to get my feet wet on the right side anyway.
Right now, I have the right elevator stiffeners completely done and back-riveted into place. Therefore, today, I continued working with the left elevator stiffeners. I started by laying all of the stiffeners out on the elevator skin. Six of the stiffeners have to be trimmed a bit on the aft edge (E-720J, E-720K, and E-720L…two of each). The plans clearly tell you what the distance should be between the second most aft hole and the aft edge of the stiffener. I marked this distance on each of the six stiffeners and cut them to their final size with my band saw.
Several of the left elevator stiffeners have to be cut to size. The blue mark on the right side is my cut line. Notice how little needs to be removed.
Next, I sat the top stiffeners aside and focused on seven bottom ones. To finish the edges on these, I smoothed down any notches or rough spots with a vixen file and then gave them a final polish on the Scotch-Brite wheel. Several months ago, I would have been hesitant to use the vixen file. Now, I love it!
Once the edges were finished, I dimpled all of the holes with my squeezer, prepped the stiffeners for primer, and gave them a coat of NAPA 7220. Seven stiffeners down, 8 to go.
Another priming picture.
