Scott's RV-14 Build

Trim Tab Nearly Complete

My prep work on the trim tab paid off when the bonding and spar riveting went smooth and drama free. The Pro-Seal (it's not really Pro-Seal but the improved equivalent that Van's sells) mixing and application to the ribs and trailing edge went fine. It's gooey, sticky, messy stuff. Ones needs rags, acetone, gloves and good ventilation for application. I had a nice supply of wooden tongue depressors that a fellow builder gave me that were handy for application. After getting it all clecoed together my bride stepped up as a helper to hold the piece securely against a simple backstop I created while I flush riveted the spar with my modified yoke. That went smooth and quick. Then per plans I put it upside down with a weighted board on top to allow the Pro-Seal to cure for a few days. Then I'll rivet the trailing edge. I'm hoping the alternate technique of using Pro Seal as a bonding agent will result in a straighter trailing edge then I got using the double sided tape on the rudder per plans. I wasn't super pleased with those results. I bought a bunch of clothes pins to clamp the skins to the edge wedge and eliminate any gaps. In the meantime I moved on to the elevator skins, marking the foam rib locations, masking off the areas then scuffing them with 180 grit sandpaper per planes for bonding in the future. I also purchased two more 3.5 ounce tank sealer applicators from Van's for the elevators.

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