Model IV needed mods?

[Wheels]

I would add the provision for a rudder trim tab to the tail before covering. Not an electric trim, just a place to mount a tab or wedge. I have a IV and its a classic IV no speedster mods. I also have the cargo pod and I use it although its harder to do as the stock configuration is just plain hard to access. I'm working on a quick release pin set up and some wheels to drag it around like luggage. I"ll still have to attach and detach for access.

[Greg79]

I would add the provision for a rudder trim tab to the tail before covering. Not an electric trim, just a place to mount a tab or wedge. I have a IV and its a classic IV no speedster mods. I also have the cargo pod and I use it although its harder to do as the stock configuration is just plain hard to access. I'm working on a quick release pin set up and some wheels to drag it around like luggage. I"ll still have to attach and detach for access.

I figured I was going to need a rudder trim tab. Seen several threads on here where they just adhesive them to the fabric but I'll add some tabs. How does yours fly without elevator trim?

[cap01]

yes, you do need electric elevator trim. i installed it on my IV 1500 and its one of the better mods I've done. the larger elevator would be nice to have on mine, I'm not sure if the speedsters have the large elevators.
if you have the old gas tanks be sure to replace them also both should be the 13 gal tanks.
if the wings aren't covered, install tubing for an aoa if there's a chance you might want that system

[Av8r3400]

I did some extensive modifications to the tail on my Classic IV-1200. It was an experiment to gain authority at lower speeds of the elevator and rudder. Thus far I have been happy with the mods and the handling compared to my IV-1050 I had previously.

I did add an electric elevator trim tab. IMO this is a good modification to make.

The rest of these are not necessary to do, but I wanted to do some experimenting and make the plane my own...

Tail.jpg

This is a good before and after of the elevator. Also shown is the trim tab. If I could do it again, I'd make the tab larger.

Tail2.jpg

[HighWing]

One of the most frequently mentioned issues - elevator authority - can be helped a lot by simply closing the gap between horizontal stab and elevator. Most do it with tape after covering. You may want to look at the geometry and see if there might be something you can do before covering. I did it and it was pretty complex, but l am sure there could be simpler approaches.

[avidflyer]

Another thing I would do if I have an uncovered Avid or Kitfox is widen the fuselage before covering it. The Kitfox 4 I'm currently rebuilding is now 4" wider in the seating area. The Kitfox 3 I'm doing is 3" wider. Used steel tube on the 4, and glued on wood in the 3. The doors are bent to fit the opening when they have no windows or panels in them, and then installed with the doors in their final position. The Kitfox 3 was covered already when I got it, but I was able to undo the fabric enough to get the wood glued on, and then pulled the fabric back into place. Once again, I can't up load photos. JImChuk