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Wings...installing ribs...and running out of clecos - AGAIN! 06/07/03 - Last week, I ran out of clecos when I got to the point of installing the bottom ribs in the left side wing structure, so I ordered 150 more and they were received on Wednesday. It was today (Saturday) before I could get back out to the shop for a little work (-other- work has taken precedence in the past week) and although I DID manage to get ALL top and bottom ribs marked, punched, drilled, drilled, deburred, trimmed, marked, punched, drilled, drilled, deburred and clecoed, I ran OUT OF CLECOS AGAIN!!!! ;^) This time I'm ok with it however...although I'll have to scrounge a bit now to do the Root Rib Skins, Rib Channels, etc. (up next on the agenda), I think I'll make it with what I have on hand. I started today by marking, punching and drilling all the remaining ribs (forward ends only) so that I could just begin installing and that turned out to be a good idea as I felt the day progressed about as smoothly as any work day I've had since I received my kit. Following are a few photos starting with the bottom side of the left side wing structure root rib.
Trying to keep my trailing edge profile looking good...
I have the rest of the bottom ribs clecoed on forward end and ready for final trim:
Checking the transition profile as I go:
Since I couldn't pick up the Yankees/Cubs game on the radio, I had to make other arrangements (did I mention I've been a Yankees fan since the mid 70's?) so I borrowed the TV from our guest room and got back to work. It turns out my little flip-out table top comes in handy for other things too!!!
All bottom ribs trimmed, drilled and clecoed on the left wing structure:
Left wing structure (with LE level) with ribs installed showing the amount of taper built into the wing:
Right side wing structure with top ribs in place for final trim, etc.:
Checking transition profile for at least the twenty-first time:
All top ribs trimmed, drilled and clecoed for right side wing structure (by this time, the Yanks are getting ready to LOSE TO THE CUBS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MAJOR LEAGUE HISTORY!!!!):
Right wing bottom ribs are clecoed forward, ready for final trim:
and finished:
By this time, I was pooped from standing for 6 plus hours and ready to quit, so I did! Next task is to install (transfer drill and cleco) the root ribs skins, trim and install the rib channels and then I GET TO TAKE ALL THE RIBS OUT AGAIN! ;^) It's part of the process, you know. Hey...here's some NEWS! I had a nice visit from our local EAA Chapter Technical Counselor, Vince Frazier (Vince has a HOT Harmon Rocket Project) and John Crabtree (John is an RV-6 builder/flyer) on Thursday for a progress inspection and I was happily rewarded with a few 'nice job' comments and NO NEGATIVE FEEDBACK ITEMS! Both were impressed with the Rans kit quality and Vince even said he'd have no problem taking the first ride in the Coyote, although I AM reserving that treat for myself! I may or may not get back out the shop tomorrow because I'd like to go visit with my Dad (more important) so I'm probably NOT going to have both wings ready for fabric by the time I leave for Rans Fly-in on the19th as I'm swamped at work, and I have a commitment for Young Eagles next Saturday. That's not a problem, though because it'll all be here waiting for when I return! More updates soon... |
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Last Update: 06/08/2003 |
