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Thread: Rudder Cutouts for Bolts

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Mar 2014
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    Lake Isabella, CA
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    Default Rudder Cutouts for Bolts

    Can someone give me an idea how big these should be? I am trying to keep them small, bur frankly it doesn't work. I have the feeling I am wasting a lot of time trying to figure out how to put in bolts (screws) and tighten them when I may just need to cut big holes.

    Thanks


    Tom Livermore

  2. #2
    Senior Member jtpitkin06's Avatar
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    Jan 2010
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    Greenville, TX
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    640

    Default Re: Rudder Cutouts for Bolts

    We'll assume you are asking about a rudder with the speed kit fairing. The simple answer is the access slots or holes need to be big enough for a wrench and wide enough to turn a nut at least 1/12 turn. Which will give you the smallest access hole and the largest headache. But that is not much help. So let's get practical.

    Cut your slots or holes as large as necessary to allow easy installation of the rudder bolts. Instead of a hole so small you can barely get a wrench inside; make a hole big enough for a thumb and finger. Then fabricate a curved sheet metal cover to seal off most of the access hole leaving just a small slot necessary for the rod ends to clear the rudder fairing.

    Cosmetically, the sheet metal cover will look better than an uncovered hole and the larger access will lower the aggravation factor.

    John Pitkin
    Greenville, Texas.

  3. #3
    Senior Member
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    Oct 2009
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    Liberty Lake, WA
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    Default Re: Rudder Cutouts for Bolts

    Thanks John, that has bothered me since I fabricated mine. I will go back and enlarge and make covers for them.
    Stan Inzer
    912 ULS
    Dynon Skyview 10"
    N599KF

  4. #4
    Senior Member jiott's Avatar
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    Jun 2010
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    Portland, OR
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    Default Re: Rudder Cutouts for Bolts

    I saw John McBean's plane and he used a clear tape to cover the access holes. I like this idea because I really like to be able to see the rudder hinge bolts every time I do a preflight. A metal cover would prevent this inspection.
    Jim Ott
    Portland, OR
    Kitfox SS7 flying
    Rotax 912ULS

  5. #5
    Senior Member
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    Sep 2008
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    Winchester, KY
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    Default Re: Rudder Cutouts for Bolts

    I used a piece of thin clear acetate to make covers for my SS7. I can see the hardware on each preflight. Covers are attached with two sided tape.

    Dick B

  6. #6

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    Default Re: Rudder Cutouts for Bolts

    Great ideas. How thick a piece of acetate was used? Really attached with two sided tape?

    Thanks

    Tom

  7. #7
    Senior Member
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    Default Re: Rudder Cutouts for Bolts

    About .016 to .018 sheet acetate ( you can get some at Office Depot) and yes normal Scotch brand two sided tape. Been on for over a year and no problem.

    Dick B

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Mar 2014
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    Lake Isabella, CA
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    Default Re: Rudder Cutouts for Bolts

    Thanks Dick

    Tom

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