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Rick Mentel
Chuck Nuffer

Last updated: 04/03/09
Vertical Stab

 We used a laser level to shoot a beam through the VF-XXX hinge brackets prior to assembly. The three sets of brackets didn’t have the pivot holes drilled in the same location, and they “appeared” to be drilled wrong. What’s actually going on here is a SLIGHT angle of the hinge line in relation to the VF-003 rear spar.

For us anal folk who want to line up the center holes of the VF-XXX hinge brackets with precision, use “Spiderwire” fishing line. It won’t spiral up like dental floss, and is easier to see than clear nylon filament. That little bushing used to help center the line is Avery p/n 10745, as noted in the F1 plans.

#209 & #210 & #218: (excerpt taken from the RV-4 manual) “All rivets below 37 inch mark are flush.” Note to first-time builders….one of the best pieces of advice a fellow builder gave us was to purchase an RV-4 Preview Plans Set. Although it’s nowhere near a replacement for the F1 instruction set, the drawings alone provide enough additional information to help answer some of those more basic building questions.

Using the micro-stop and countersink bit, adjust and mock up sample pieces before hacking into the VF-008 plate. This will give you the opportunity to view how well the riveted pieces will mate up in the final assembly.

 VF-021 doubler attached to VF-002 spar – “honor thy edge distance specifications”

The jig we used for the horizontal stabilizer was almost tall enough for the vertical stabilizer. It wouldn’t allow the skin to be installed over the VS skeleton. A few adjustments and we were back in business.

Flush rivets on the aft side of the VF-021 doubler. The holes for AN-3 bolts for attachment to the HS-015 will be drilled in assembly.