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Thread: Elevator pivot tabs

  1. #1

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    Default Elevator pivot tabs

    I have a problem where one tab on the end of the elevators is about a 64ths off which causes the bolt to go in crooked is causing some binding and the left center tab, one hole is about a 32nd off and the bolt will not go through. I sent John at Kitfox an email and am awaiting a response. Any suggestions from you guys.



    You can see in this photo how the left tab is shorter than the right.
    Last edited by Jorge&Cindy; 08-20-2008 at 07:01 PM.

  2. #2
    Administrator RandyL's Avatar
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    Default Larger bolt?

    Definitely see what John has to say, but one possibility might be to upsize to a larger bolt and bias the hole in both the elevator tabs and the HS bracket when you ream it upsize.

    Good pics, they really help visualize the situation!
    Randy Lervold
    TeamKitfox.com Admin Emeritus
    Day job: www.dynonavionics.com

  3. #3

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    Default elavator tabs

    if i had to do this i would tig weld the lower part of the hole up. then file or die grind the upper part of hole higher. then ream to match opposing hole. of course you will lose your powder coat in the vacinity of weld and have to paint it. but should be only a small area. keith

  4. #4

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    Default

    Spoke with John today. He said since it's only a small difference, +/- 1/32", to simply file the hole upward so the bolt goes in straight. Since the bolt is OK on one side and the tabs pinch up against the bushing, there will be no problem.

  5. #5

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    Default elavator tab

    i would not accept this quickfix it is not good mechanical practice.
    tig weld one side closed redrill straight and ream to size
    i hope they sort out the jig in the factory .we will be ordering a kit soon and dont want these kind of problems.

  6. #6
    Senior Member jdmcbean's Avatar
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by wayne giles View Post
    i hope they sort out the jig in the factory .we will be ordering a kit soon and dont want these kind of problems.
    The issue was identified and resolved.
    John McBean
    www.kitfoxaircraft.com
    208.337.5111

    "The Sky is not the Limit... It's a Playground"

  7. #7

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    Default elavator tabs

    wayne, you must have misread my post and reprinted it wrong in your criticism that it was unsafe. i never said to weld up the entire hole which would have been a weaker repair. i admit i am self taught and uncertified, and too rusty for a delicate weld without some warm up practice. but it is an easy weld with very low heat. i really dont see how it could be unsafe. even if you just filed the hole upward to match and then just a dot or 2 of weld for the bolt to rest on would probably be ok. but i am willing to learn if you could be more specific. there are 12 tabs holding the elavator on so it is plenty stong. btw mine fit well.

  8. #8

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    Default elavator tab

    kieth.there was no critism to any parties merely a differnt view im sure you suggestion is viable.if you look at the location of repair it would be difficult to even drill this.
    onother suggestion would be to die grind one side until the bolt fits square,take a heavy gauge washer ream it to size assemble the hinge with the washer on the repaired side and tack it in place. wayne

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