Vertical stabilizer is complete, there is not much to say there, that is a very simple piece to build. One comment for those who have any issues riveting the brackets on the spar, you will find that if you rivet them using the C-Frame you will have better success as they do like to lean over when you are riveting on to the steel brackets. Just take a look at this video for more details.
I have just about completed the Rudder. It is quite straightforward in it's construction.
Once you rivet the stiffeners on, you then "zip up" the two skins which hold together via shear clips that are pop riveted together. I am quite pleased so far by the way it is turning out.
The counterweight is another new area for me. I created a female dimple die using a wood block, and used the screw and a nut to enlarge the dimple to final size as I did not have the correct dimple die. I did start the dimple with a dimple die of slightly smaller size that I did have on hand. After removing a small amount of material from the weight itself, I was able to slide the weight into position among the rivets (you final install the weight after riveting on the tray to the skin. I then tightly torqued the weight down using the recommended hardware and also applied some blue Loctite.
The only remaining tasks which I will complete over the next day or two are the trailing edge and the leading edge, arguably the most difficult parts of the rudder itself. Trailing edge I have covered, the leading edge I have not done in years since an old practice kit so hopefully that goes well. I will start the bend with a 1" PVC pipe and finish by hand.
I visited a fellow builder's project down in Falmouth, MA as he was kind enough to allow a couple of my replacement parts to accompany his quickbuild from the factory so I could save the shipping. He had a beautiful shop attached to his home (a dream situation), and a brand new quickbuild 14A. I am glad I am building every part on my own, but I will have to say it would be nice to just have it done like that!!! It's just money right?
