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RV-7 Construction Log
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Date:  9-9-2012
Number of Hours:  5.60
Manual Reference:  pp 7-4, 7-8
Brief Description:  Left Wing

I started out by finishing priming the ribs and spars after finding some more self-etching primer at the local NAPA store.

Some time ago I decided against outboard wing tanks, so I went back and did some steps I skipped not knowing for sure I was going to use the leading edge. I also decided to go ahead and install the Vans-provided stall warning kit, thinking I'd rather have it installed an not use it than want it later and it not be installed.

I prepped, primed, dimpled, and installed the stall warner access plate doubler along with it's nut plates, and loosely installed the cover just to check the fit. All looks good, except that the gap between the cover and skin is a bit wider than I'd hoped. Oh, well, if it bothers me later, it will be fairly easy to make a new cover. I also scuffed, dimpled, and clecoed the stall warning switch bracket.

I then clecoed the leading edge back together and mounted it on the spar so I could fit and drill the undersize rib and joint plate. It took quite a bit of futzing around with the rib and plate, but I finally got there. I then mounted the tank to check the alignment of the joint.

Alignment is good all the way around, and the bottom side fit is nice and flush, but there's about an 0.040 to 0.050 bulge in the top side of the tank skin. I haven't yet drilled the screw holes on the tank side of the joint plate, but when I press down on two adjacent screw holes in the tank skin, I do get a little pillowing between them. I'm thinking about putting sealant between the 408 rib and the joint plate to push the leading edge skin and joint plate out a bit, but I'm not sure how hard it would be to get enough sealant in there to make a difference. I may also try rolling the tank skin edge a bit.

Rivets Today: 36
Rivets Total: 3444
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Stall warning access cover installed loosely.

Stall warning access cover installed loosely.

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Drilled W-408 undersize rib and W-423 joint plate.

Drilled W-408 undersize rib and W-423 joint plate.

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Out of focus pictures shows slight bulging of tank skin.

Out of focus pictures shows slight bulging of tank skin.

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