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Looking for help installing wings

F

FlyingDiver

Well Known Member
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Just about done with construction on my RV-12iS. I've already started the PAP checklists.

But I can't get the wings back on again. Had them installed once a couple years ago when I installed the torque tubes, but had to remove them to fit the plane back in the garage to continue the build. Now it's in the hangar and I can't get everything lined up to get the pins in.

I think I really just need some new eyes on it by someone that's actually installed the wings on an RV-12. I'm in a residential airpark now, and had several neighbors who are pilots looking at it, but none of them are builders.

I'm in Palm Beach County, Florida. If anyone is nearby and could take a look, I'd really appreciate it. Please send a DM.

Thanks!

joe
 
It helps to stick a finger in the pin apertures, and feel which way the spars are misaligned. Then have someone pull up, down, left, or right on the wingtip, as indicated by what you felt. If it’s close, have someone wiggle the wingtip while you rotate the pin back and forth and simultaneously try to push it in. A few taps with a rubber mallet or a plastic deadblow hammer will also help get them all the way inserted.
 
jsalley said:
It helps to stick a finger in the pin apertures, and feel which way the spars are misaligned. Then have someone pull up, down, left, or right on the wingtip, as indicated by what you felt. If it’s close, have someone wiggle the wingtip while you rotate the pin back and forth and simultaneously try to push it in. A few taps with a rubber mallet or a plastic deadblow hammer will also help get them all the way inserted.
Click to expand...
That's pretty much exactly what we've been doing. :(
 
Not at all familiar with the -12 but I do live in Florida. Probably a silly question but have you inspected the holes? No mud daubers nor other foreign matter in them?

Probably not very likely that the edges of the holes were damaged but a slight burr might be an issue.

Don't know how tightly the pins are supposed to fit, but could try putting them in freezer.
 
RV-12iS wing attachment is pretty unique, since they're designed to be quickly installed/removed. The spar pin holes are over 1" diameter.
 
Attach a ratcheting tiedown strap to one wingtip. Connect a strong rope to the other end of the tiedown strap, pass it over the canopy sills and tie the rope to the other wingtip. Tighten the tiedown strap. If the pins still will not go in, use an exhaust pipe expander along with the tiedown strap. Search other threads for where to buy the pipe expander. If I remember right, Harbor Freight no longer sells the size needed. Maybe try Amazon.
 
Already got the expander set from Amazon that contains the small size that fits. I have some ratchet straps too. I'll see if I can rig that up.
 
Once you have them installed use a fine point marker to make reference marks in a few places that once you line them up your pins will go right in. This has helped make the process much easier. Try installing just one wing to see which one is causing the issue, it could be the teflon blocks need filing, or the flapperon wedge is bottoming out in the slot, the wing fillet seal could be causing the problem as well...good luck.
 
Lubrication?
If its fun getting the pins in it'll be just as much fun, if they have to come out.
Have you fitted the root seals? If so these can be a major faff during assembly, as they don't compress very well.

John.
 
No root seals yet. I've tried greasing the pins, didn't help.

Yes, they were previously installed once - I don't know why it's such a problem now. But it is a lot warmer now than it was the first time, like 20F hotter.
 
Note I have not yet done this to my -12, but try trimming down the little white plastic blocks that hold the spars in place before you insert the pins. Several other folks have reported this gave them more play during the initial install. The blocks aren't structural. They are just there to hold the wings until you get the pins in.

I cannot get a piece of paper between my spars and these blocks once everything is installed.
 
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