HS lower gap covers

TASEsq

Well Known Member

Patron

• Mar 28, 2020

• #1

Hi!

Just wondering what sort of gap I should be looking for between the lower empennage gap covers (under the HS). I assume 1/16? would be ok since that?s the minimum gap around the elevator horns?

Also - can anyone recommend any rubber channel etc that would be appropriate here to stop the fairings rubbing / damaging the HS should it flex under G?

Thank you!

Here is a photo of the fairing I am talking about:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/u8KDznJ8PumWtcy26

Here is the gap call out:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/UHPeQ5YYBEin525YA

 

TASEsq

Well Known Member

Patron

• Mar 28, 2020

• #2

I was wondering if something as simple as this would suit?
https://www.clarkrubber.com.au/products/31643-weather-strip-u-channel-18mm-x-4-4mm

 

R

Ron B.

Well Known Member

• Mar 28, 2020

• #3

I just have a small gap in mine and on third annual with no signs of wear on paint.

 

BillL

Well Known Member

• Mar 28, 2020

• #4

Vans sells an extruded piece that can fill that gap, but it was a real pain on the 7 so I went with a custom glass piece after way too much time and $$ spent. If the plans say leave the gap, I would suggest you do that. It will last a lifetime. Vans does improve the designs with time.

 

Snowflake

Sidney, BC, Canada

Sponsor

• Mar 28, 2020

• #5

My 1996 RV-6 has never had a rubber piece on that fairing. No contact with elevator in aerobatic manoeuvering.

 

P

philb

Well Known Member

Friend

• Mar 28, 2020

• #6

The -10 has rubber channel called out and provided for that gap. Probably more aerodynamic/cosmetic than cushioning though.

Phil
RV10
KBTF
Bountiful, Utah

 

TASEsq

Well Known Member

Patron

• Mar 28, 2020

• #7

Thanks guys,

The plans don?t call for a gap - and it is currently touching the HS.

I was thinking 1/16? would be suitable?

 

G

gasman

Well Known Member

Friend

• Mar 28, 2020

• #8

Look at door edge trim...... https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...ide-black-door-edge-trim/t3802/2519119?pos=11

 

scsmith

Well Known Member

• Mar 29, 2020

• #9

Leaks like that cause drag. I would not leave a gap.

What I did was after final assembly including final paint, I put a strip of vinyl tape along the edge that was a pretty close color match to the fuselage color, then I masked off a 1/10 inch space on the stabilizer skin and the gap filler strip, and put a bead of clear RTV caulk there.

If I ever need to take the stabilizer off the fuselage again, I can just peel the vinyl tape off and the bead of RTV will be free of the fuselage, but still stuck to the stabilizer.

Since it is on the underside, the vinyl tape doesn't get any sunlight - it still looks like new after 10 years.

 

M

mturnerb

Well Known Member

• Mar 29, 2020

• #10

I just eased the edges until it fit snugly - happy with it so far (100 hours). I never thought about any trim there, but did consider it for the wing gap fairings. But now that it's painted, I'm happy with cosmetics and performance is good, so leaving it be for now.

 

TASEsq

Well Known Member

Patron

• Mar 30, 2020

• #11

In the end I just went with about a 1/32 even gap. Looks good and I?ll leave it as it is. Thanks for the advice.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zVTHpxwr1CJTJ4y1A

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TD7kU9znvxoqMLin8

 

TASEsq

Well Known Member

Patron

• Mar 30, 2020

• #12

While I am on this step, can anyone clear up a plans confusion for me.

Page 12-11:

Step 6: Dimple the upper aft hole in the empennage gap covers for the head of a flush #6 screw. See Figure 2.

Dimple the corresponding holes in the Vertical Stabilizer Assembly as shown in Figure 2. These dimples may be finished with a machine countersink if required to achieve a better final fit with the empennage gap covers.

Click to expand...

But on page 12-12:

Step 3: Machine countersink the aft #27 hole on both sides of the Vertical Stabilizer Assembly to accept the dimpled F-14111-L & -R Empennage Gap Covers. See Figure 2.

Click to expand...

There is a callout for a k1000 nutplate here on page 12-12 so Im guessing countersinking is the go, but the skin seems pretty thin but has a rib underneath it.

Can’t find much on this in the forums or gotchas or on others blogs.