Tail Surfaces Done

The past couple days were spent finishing up the tail surfaces. I got the vertical stab on and got everything torqued. This took longer than needed due to clarity over proper torque specs. There are 3 tables I can reference for torque values. AC43.13-1B, The Standard Aircraft Handbook and the Vans Builders Manual, Section 5. All of them are basically the same values for various size bolts but the exact verbiage varies among all 3. Most of the bolts to date have been AN3 and 4 size but I had one AN5 bolt for the vertical stab due to mistakenly drilling one of the holes oversize many months ago. The friction torque on the nut was fairly substantial. I measured it at 30 in/lbs with a beam style torque wrench. The torque range for that size bolt was 100-140 in/lbs. I elected to use 150 in/lbs on my click style wrench which should have yielded a net value of 120 in/lbs. I also had a castellated nut that I needed to be clear on. Inevitably when torquing those the hole in the bolt doesn't line up with the slots in the nut for the cotter pin. After some review I torqued to the minimum value then advanced the nut just enough to get the cotter pin in which should leave the bolt in the allowable torque range. I probably obsess over it all more then I should but since these are tail surfaces and pretty critical, I wanted to make sure all the bolts were torqued correctly. Satisfied all was well I finally got the rudder mounted with the help of my bride. It's definitely a 2-person job. I triple checked all the 3 rod end dimensions on the rudder prior so the middle rod end would line up and I wouldn't need to remove the rudder to adjust. This paid off when all 3 bolts went in fairly easily. The rudder swings from stop to stop smoothly with no binding along its full range. The last task was to get washers and nuts on all 7 rudder and elevator hinge bolts. You have to torque them by hand. Hopefully I achieved the desired 28 in/lbs. It's satisfying to see all the control surfaces mounted along with the fairings and move them. I'm pleased with how they all turned out. Once primed and painted they should look really nice. Next up is finishing the wiring and installing the rudder strobe light. I called Van's yesterday to inquire about the status of my Finishing Kit. Still no words but they said to expect an email soon. Supply chain issues have slowed down shipments of all kits. I'm told lack canopies and engine mounts is what's slowing down mine and others. I've still plenty to do without the Finishing Kit.