So F’ing Close!

I thought for sure I would finish the elevators today. But no! Came up short by five AD-41-ABS pop rivets.

Started the day by riveting the trailing edges. I lightly set all the rivets with the pneumatic squeezer first. Then propped everything up so that the trailing edge rested flush to the back rivet place and very carefully used a mushroom set on the bottom to finish the double flush rivets. With he “backward” trailing edge of the elevators, I almost needed to use just the edge of the rivet set. It was tricky but I’m happy with the result.

Remy helped me roll and rivet the leading edges.

I cut and installed the lead counterweights. Is it me or does installing lead in an airplane just seem wrong? 🙂

And here they are. My almost completed elevators!

TODO:

1. Finish riveting the leading edge (ordering rivets today)
2. Terminate the wires from the (waiting for crimper to arrive)
3. safety wire trim tab hinge pin (waiting for safety wire to arrive)