RV7A Engine

I Officially Started N7676D on September 1, 2003!

24 Apr 03

I took delivery of the "Tail Kit" in April '03 after ordering my RV7A from Vans himself at Sun-n-Fun in Lakeland, FL. Casey helped with unpacking & inventory.

1 Sep 03
3.5 Hrs.

After extensive shop set-up, organization and finishing up the back yard deck, I began assembling the rear spar. So far, everything lines up perfectly which makes the match drilling a snap.

2 Sep 03
3.0 Hrs.

Decided to go with the self-etching primer in a can since I will only be priming the non-alclad parts. This included the VA-146 bearing for the elevator.

4 Sep 03
1.0 Hrs.

An exciting day as I squeezed the 1st rivet (AN470AD4-5). I let Carina mark this momentous rivet with her favorite color. I decided to save the pneumatic squeezer for larger jobs!

I'm glad I got it over with early. . .bad rivet. No big deal as it was easily replaced with the right tools.

5 Sep 03
5.0 Hrs.

Getting familiar with "cleco's" and sore hands. . .this step is necessary to match drill all the holes to the spar and ribs. Then you get to take it all apart again!

6 Sep 03
0.5 Hrs.

Fluting the ribs is a simple process, but you must have the right tool!

7 Sep 03
3.0 Hrs.

The first of many steps to prep the "skins" before they actually get riveted to the frame. This is just a protective coating that eventually totally gets removed.

8 Sep 03
5.5 Hrs.

My dad is a big help even with the little jobs. Everybody will get a chance to "deburr" some holes. . .only 10,000 plus more to go!

9 Sep 03
3.5 Hrs.

Dimpling the skins is really a two person job and so far we have managed to hit every hole and no more.

This "Pop-Rivet Dimpler" was really a great idea and very useful for those close quarters dimpling jobs.

10 Sep 03
2.0 Hrs.

This is the first major riveting job in the tail kit and I put my pneumatic squeezer to the test. . .it past with flying colors!

11 Sep 03
0.5 Hrs.

The rivets get checked to make sure that they meet established standards. Any bad ones get replaced.

11 Sep 03
0.5 Hrs.

The elevator bearing get bolted on, then torqued to spec.

12 Sep 03
7.0 Hrs.

Riveting the skins to the frame completes this part of the project.

My dad & son get into riveting. . .looks great!

The Horizontal Stabilizer is finished! Our smoking rivet gun & bucking bars can take a break for a few days.

17 Sep 03
1.75 Hrs.

Drilling those "optional" lightening holes in the Vertical Stabilizer.

Here is the finished VS-808PP. . .saved a few ounces!

14 Oct 03
1.5 Hrs.

Gary Collins & Howard Wells from EAA Chapter 174 (CVG) come over for my first inspection. They were pleased with my progress, but gave some greatly appreciated pointers on riveting technique and deburring procedures. It was a real confidence boost to have these local EAA experts validate our work. . .Thank You!