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Tom Sullivan
wrote:
One other question; what is the best
side to install the access openings for the rudder hinge bolts? Pictures I
have accumulated over the years seem to find them on either side.
Also, any tricks to get full rudder deflection without the "slots" showing at
the neutral position? I plan to make access covers for the access side of
the hinge, but wondering for the opposite side. The workmanship looks so
much better (to me anyway) if those slots aren't showing at the neutral
rudder position.
Tom,
I don't think it makes any difference as to the side you install
the slots/openings to access the rudder hinge bolts--they are lesson in
patience and perseverance to install/remove no matter how you do it! You've
probably already discovered that the counterweight in the top of the rudder
makes installation and removal a two-person task as well. To make the
rudder openings almost completely hidden when the rudder is in the neutral
position, I cut some elongated oval holes in the front rudder close out piece
(the long half-tube that bonds to the front of the rudder), about 6 inches above
the lower, and 6" below the mid and top hinge bolts. I established the
location by moving the rudder to full left deflection, then marking the places
for the holes on the right side of the closeout, just clear of the rear edge of
the vertical stab. You can install and tighten the rudder bolts by using
a ground down wrench on the head, and a 1/4" socket with one or two
extensions and a universal joint to tighten the nuts (I didn't say this was
easy). There are no removable panels for my rudder bolts, and the installation
"holes" are completely hidden when the rudder is in neutral. I said the
openings were "almost hidden" above because I had to enlarge the horizontal
slots in the front rudder close out just a bit into the visible area to get the
required rudder travel. (One of my non-aeronautical friends suggested that we
just grind away the hinge support where needed--in lieu of trimming the
closeout, but I just couldn't bring myself to do
this...
You referenced one of my pictures for the earlier part
of this post; I'll see if I can find one showing the holes, or at least I
can make another this weekend if desired, but hopefully this explanation will
help?
Bob Pastusek
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