Recent content by Chewie

A long way from Oregon too! Always wish I could make it.

Thank you Rod! I would not have known that.

I'm getting very good results back-riveting the bottom skin so far (at the nose ribs), and would like to back-rivet the entire bottom of the wing if possible since it's more visible than the top. Most scratch-build instructions and videos I've seen show the large bottom skin going on last, but...

For whom it may concern. I was not expecting this. https://www.sonexaircraft.com/sonex-closure/

My project recently pivoted and I find myself the proud owner of a well-outfitted Patrol fuselage, SN 12. It fits crosswise in the hangar behind the 140, where it will sit while I finish up the wings at home. The price was right and I couldn't pass it up. Over the years I've been acquiring...

I showed my project to a buddy yesterday to get pointers on things I should do before closing out the wings. His main observation was that my wings were very straight. TOO straight. He asked if I've ever tried landing an airplane without wash-out. It doesn't end well. I said I haven't (I think...

Someone with an exquisite Patrol apparently thought Hood River would make for a nice stop today. I was at work and didn't get a chance to say hi, but if you swing through on the way back home drop me a line!

Does anyone have a technique for bending these on a leaf brake? The zig-zag character of these stiffeners is stumping me. I have access to a 10 ft. leaf brake, but the bending leaf is too wide for a downward facing bend to hang over so it can lay flat. There is no clearance under the foot...

I recently got a new job closer to home that allows me to resume my regular 6am shop sessions, first time since 2020. Over the years I had been chipping away at the Patrol wings, but at a snail's pace. It feels good to be making measurable progress again. Current task: L wing skin trimming. ​​

Where are people getting k1100-06 nut plates these days? I see the Vans aircraft store website is down and hopefully they will be back up, as I think they had the best pricing. Spruce has -06 and -08, the latter being about 1/5 the cost. Hoping I can find a better option. Given the astronomic...

This weekend. Any Bearhawks planning on attending?

In the spirit of the ongoing "riveting" discussion... ;) What technique do folks suggest to rivet the pocket ribs to the attach angles on the back of the rear spar? They are very tight corners. On the flap & aileron angles, which were a similar scenario, I used a rivet gun with extension and...

I couldn't agree more. Prime real estate there that you will be glad to have. ​

After going back and forth I decided options and simplicity were my priorities, so I went with PEX tubing through bored out jig holes. It's readily available, cheap and smooth enough to push a wire through. It came in at 1-1/2 lbs total for both wings, less material removed from the ribs and no...

I like this idea Jared. I'll post mine but first trying to figure out the prefix thing. I don't see any options?