Toad's RV-8 Project | Bent and Riveted Rudder Leading Edge, Installed Rod End Bearings and Counterweight: Rudder Complete

12 JAN 08 - Bent and Riveted LE, Installed Bearings and Counterweight: Rudder Complete - 2.5 Hours

With the help of a friend, I bent the rudder leading edge using a 3/4" steel pipe and tape. The leading edge did not come out like I wanted it to overall. After some shaping by hand, I was able to correct the major flaws. This ain't gonna be the prettiest part of the airplane! Good thing it's relatively hidden.

Rudder Leading Edge Bent and Riveted

The leading edge of the rudder after pop riveting. There are some slight gaps in the skin, and the bends in the skin are not perfectly even on both sides, but it will have to do.

Next up was installation of the rod end bearings. I built a homemade installation tool using the design from Sam Buchanan's RV-6 Website. Very simple and useful tool.

Rudder Rod End Bearings

The plans call for the correct depth to install the bearings.

Then I installed the lead counterweight in the tip of the rudder. I had to file down some of the counterweight at the front where it was interfering with the shop heads of the rivets. Then I countersunk the weight for the dimples in the skin.

Rudder Counterweight

Lead Counterweight installed with the nuts torqued on.

The finished product (minus the fiberglass tips): Rudder Complete!

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