John's Build

[PapuaPilot]

I think they should fit better than that and would ask about getting a new set. On the other side I think that they could be installed safely and be totally functional but they would not be very pleasing to the eye.

I was just looking at my balance weights today (which I didn't install) and they have a little gap, but nothing like yours. Mine are only about 1/16".

[jiott]

I agree your gap is more than most, but when they are installed the Hysol fills the gap and can be radiused out with your finger so it looks much better after final paint.

I believe I also remodeled the leading edge bend on the weights slightly for a better fit. You can't do much but you can do some. Also pull them in tightly when you rivet them on-it slightly squeezes the thin flaperon for a better fit.

[Dave S]

John,

Here is a photo of how mine fit....this photo is after riveting/bonding the weights to the flaperons.

I agree with others that the space can be minimized by pulling the weight down when riveting; the space can be taken up with hysol and the final result will be structurally sound; however, the contour of your weights is definitly different than mine; and, there is quite a bit of space showing.

Wondering if there are two different sets of weights available?....one for the current flaperon design and one for earlier symmetrical design??????.....Don't know.......

Dave S

KF 7 Trigear
912ULS Warp Drive
St Paul, Minne-snow-ta

[Floog]

Here's another picture, John. Your bends have a little tighter radius than mine. I picked up this SS in April,'13. I also smoothed some of the 'chicken poop' welds on the counter weights. Anal? Perhaps...

[Av8r3400]

Metal working on that scale will wreck the powder coating.

I agree with the prior suggestion to get ahold of John McBean discuss the problem and get new weights.

[jrevens]

Thank you all, guys... It's great to have such a good group of people to bounce something like this off of. I appreciate the replies! I agree that a little bit of bend would help, Dave. Even after that though, if I'm able to pull them down & decrease the nose gap it will probably move the tail & pre-punched hole too far aft, as it is already sticking out a little beyond the trailing edge of the flaperon. I also believe it would be ok structurally as is, but I definitely don't like it. I'll talk to John.