Rudder Hangar-Rash

I finally got some time to cut the new rudder ribs and sheer clips as well as rivet them to the new skin I had ordered. I went ahead and put the entire rudder together again just to see how it looked, fit, etc. I was short on table space (first error) and decided to keep working with the rudder in a precarious position (second error). As I went around to get another few clecos I bumped the table and the rudder fell to the ground.

After bending the damage out (I don’t have a picture of the damage after it dropped) I noticed that it had creased the skin and the bottom of the spar and they had a fine crack in them. With a huge sigh I went back to my desk and ordered the replacement skin and spar and put it to the side to cool off.

I finally got some time tonight to get out in the garage and disassemble the work I had just done. Luckily this time I was much better at getting the rivets off without enlarging the holes. So I didn’t have to order any new stiffeners. The new spar is my next step to prep and then the skin after that and I’ll get it all riveted back together. I hope to get some time to do that tomorrow but I have quite a few church activities to attend to. I also won’t have time on Monday or Tuesday as we will be holding the funeral for my grandfather-in-law. Here’s the aftermath of all the rivet drilling, or at least some of it. I had swept some of it to the ground already.

Luckily I’m not discourage still. I enjoy working on this and I’m learning lessons all along the way. I have gotten better at removing rivets like I stated and I’m also getting a little bit better at priming the parts. Still loving this 🙂