Matt's RV-8 Project



Matt Dralle's RV-8 Project
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Date:  4-3-2010
Number of Hours:  1.00
Manual Reference:  
Brief Description:  Final Wing Spar Bolting - Part 1

Now that the 'ol RV-8 was at the hangar, there wasn't any reason not to bolt the wings on permanently. Unlike the other two times the wings have been on, this time the close-tolerance bolts would be used. On the original trial fittings, I'd used "hardware store" bolts which are slightly undersized and are suppose to go in easier. Not sure if that's true or not, because they were kind of a pain. In any case, I dipped the tip of each of the final bolts into Vaseline and stuck it into their respective holes. There are a total of 8 large bolts and 8 smaller bolts plus four short bolts that hold the wings on. Installation went surprisingly quickly and without too much hassle. Adding the washers and nuts was a bit more challenging, especially on the left side where all of the plumbing for the fuel lines are. I had to used three washers on the forward side of the spar on all of the bolts to get a nice tight fit of the nut.

I also final installed both the front and rear spar bolts, adding cotter keys to the rear bolts and safety wire to the front bolts.

Whew! Glad that job is done!

Thanks to Tom and Craig for the respective assistance during this installation!
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Left Wing Spar Bolts

Left Wing Spar Bolts

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Left Wing Spar Bolts

Left Wing Spar Bolts

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Left Wing Spar Bolts

Left Wing Spar Bolts

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