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RV-7 Construction Log
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Date:  1-12-2014
Number of Hours:  3.70
Manual Reference:  p.8-6
Brief Description:  Center Fuselage

I finally decided to modify two more seat ribs (the second from inboard on both sides), so the control column can be mounted with the sticks and interconnect rod already installed.

I started by tracing the original F-716B straps on a left over tank close out plate (0.062 thick). I laid them out so that each one made use of an existing #8 screw hole (photo 1). After rough cutting them on my bandsaw, I cleaned them up on my belt sander and scotchbrite wheel. I then match drilled them to their respective ribs, and countersunk the rivet holes (photo 2).

I then modified the ribs themselves. On the first two I missed the tip in the plans to drill a 1-1/2 inch hole at the top of the cutouts, and snipped them out by hand. They came out OK, but were kind of tedious. This time I set up my flycutter for a 3/4 radius to cut the top of the lightening hole to 1-1/2 inches, then snipped out along the straight line between the existing hole and the new hole. I then cut out the removable section on my bandsaw, and then deburred all holes and edges.

Next up is to install Vans crotch strap bracket. I contacted Fred Crow last week and got a close-up photo of the belt fitting so I can properly install the brackets. Crow's bracket is longer than Vans, so the bolt hole will have to be lower than for Vans belts. I've read some builder logs that the brackets need to be spaced further apart. The crow belt fitting is only 0.120 thick, but some builders are spacing the brackets quite a bit further apart, anywhere from 3/16 to 5/16 inch. I've got a question in on VAF to see why this might be required, and hope to get an answer before I commit drill to metal.
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I traced the original straps on a left over tank closeout plate.

I traced the original straps on a left over tank closeout plate.

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The bottom straps are the new ones.

The bottom straps are the new ones.

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The completed seat ribs.

The completed seat ribs.

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