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Mountainfox build thread
All,
I did an intro when I signed on a few months back, brief history below.
I am a CPA and work in corporate finance but am mechanically inclined. I have been into cars since I was a teenager, and have a Model T and Model A. Started flying a few years ago and want to end up out west eventually. The goal is Arizona, where I grew up, love the mountains. Given all of that, my daughter nicknamed the project mountainfox.
Kit got delivered yesterday. I have a 3 car attached garage to build in. The hotrods moved to the hangar. The build manual came early and I have been studying that, searching on here and making notes. Alot of parts and supplies already on hand.
Plan is SS7, 912uls, Garmin G3X, monster shock, not sure about prop. My girlfriend is working on some kind of paint design that might incorporate the colors of the Arizona flag.
I started a Wordpress site too, and plan to post pics here and there:
https://mountainfoxbuild.wordpress.com/
Thanks to all who contribute here, and thanks in advance for answering my dumb questions.
Hopefully the link and pic work.
Attachment 21616
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Re: Mountainfox build thread
Wishing you a fun build. Lots of Kitfoxs in AZ. Can always use more.😀
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Re: Mountainfox build thread
Nice to meet you and good luck with your build. Sounds like your getting off to a
great start in a heated garage!! lol.
The Mrs. and I enjoy our cars. Been wrenching on them a long time as well. 67-70 big block mustangs were my deal.
We still have a 67 convertible (awaiting it's build) and a complete 69 mach 1, r code. We can't seem to part with either one. :)
The picture galleries and build threads are a wealth of info. I spent months doing searches
and blatantly plagiarizing all the great ideas that have been archived within.
I'm glad your here and will be following along.
All the best!
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Welcome to the fun part! Looking forward to following your build!
Given all the new starts in the last 6 mos-year, I wonder if it's worth having a separate forum for build threads.
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Re: Mountainfox build thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
aviator79
I wonder if it's worth having a separate forum for build threads.
That might be a good idea. A new category in addition to General Discussion.... The New category, "Build Threads" Keeps everyone here, easier to reference.
Ralph
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Re: Mountainfox build thread
I can see where that would be beneficial. Agreed
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Hey Meyer, I went to check out the blog and it took me to a Wordpress login page. Can you find a different link?
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Re: Mountainfox build thread
Howdy neighbor! Was wondering what nickname you were going to come up with. 👌
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Re: Mountainfox build thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by
aviator79
....... I wonder if it's worth having a separate forum for build threads.
A good idea. Would make it much easier to find builders.
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Re: Mountainfox build thread
Update here... about 12 days in. Random pics below of things along the way, but as of now...
- Ribs and stiffeners all set in the horizontal stabilizer and elevator.
- One wing test fit properly, geometry set at factory all good.
- Spar stiffeners riveted on.
- Working on lift strut brackets now.
Next up is finishing the hysol lift strut brackets. Then finish wing attachment process. Install number one rib, fuel tank, etc.
After that, flip fuse around and do the other side.
More pictures in the link in my profile.
Attachment 21685
Attachment 21686
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Re: Mountainfox build thread
Keep it up! I’ll be stopping by periodically to check your progress!
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Re: Mountainfox build thread
Need an opinion here. #1 rib is secure. It is 35.5" center on center from the #3 rib, top and bottom, front and back. Fuel tank is sitting there unattached for perspective.
The butt rib is place next to #1, but it is binding aft against the bracket. The brackets each have a little more play as you move fore. The only solution I see is to trim the aft bracket the least amount so that it will not bind, and I can get a 1/16" spacer in between #1 and the butt rib. I am guessing it needs to be trimmed maybe 1/8" to 3/16". I may have to trim the second bracket too, but not much.
Anyone see any problem with this?
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Re: Mountainfox build thread
Im pretty Dang Certain that Brandon (factory) just told another builder a week ago or so. Those Butt Rib brackets get cut off. He said that each bracket gets shorter moving aft.
If nobody substantiates that then definitely call the factory. I used the carpenters method since I was not aware.
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I should note here too that I have the left butt rib in place on the right. I have seen others flip them. Seems the purpose is so that there is more to work with for the windshield mount on the "outer" edge of the butt rib. The offset in the butt rib webbing could be what is causing the binding.
I still do not see a problem with shaving a bit off of there. I'll call factory Monday if no one can confirm.
I got the idea from searching on here. FrontierFox and others have done this it appears.
Thanks
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Like Eddie said, the brackets need to be cut down in length as necessary.
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I stopped by and was surprised to see that the butt rib is no longer manufactured with the rib flush with the edge of the capstrips. Probably doesn’t matter but it gives less material to fasten the windscreen to. My 2 cents...
We came to the conclusion to trim the brackets. Easiest thing to do...
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Re: Mountainfox build thread
Meyer
I went through the same thing with my butt ribs. It’s ok to trim the rear attach brackets but just a small amount. Measure twice, cut once as stated. You should not have to trim the next bracket forward.
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More progress.
Butt rib got ironed out, thanks for the responses.
First coat of varnish on the wing, thanks to my girlfriend. Jury strut mocked up too. Fuel tank next. I am hoping to get this wing finished up and then flip things around to do the other wing.
https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordp...2/img_0734.jpg
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I think I am close to being able to put this wing back on the rotisserie and mount the other wing. I only have enough room to attach one at a time.
Final drilling for jury strut is done. Fuel tank will be mounted soon. Varnishing is done. Butt rib will be finalized shortly.
I have been reading ahead for what is left on the wing and it seems like the rest can be done on rotisserie. Trying to be efficient.
Does this seem ok?
Also, I have read that some do not hysol the sides of the tank so they can rib stitch (I am leaning towards this). Some have done the hysol and then drill to be able to rib stitch. Some do not rib stitch near the tank.
Any current wisdom on this topic?
Thanks all
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Re: Mountainfox build thread
Hey Meyer
I used fiberglass resin and matting instead of using hysol to fill the gap between the rib and tank. Instead of wood, hysol and fiberglass tank I have wood and fiberglass. I will drill through the fiberglass next to the capstrip to rib stitch. I also used fiberglass resin to attach the false ribs on the bottom of the fuel tank. Ruff up the surface well so the resin has some bite. My two cents:rolleyes:
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I don't think I did any work on the wing while not on the rotisserie after I got the brackets installed. Then again, maybe it was in the rotisserie when I did that as well.
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Update... I am about 6 weeks into this now.
The wings are close to the same spot now. Butt ribs done, jury struts done, false ribs all done.
Next is epoxy primer the spars, then LLE, then wingtip fitting, then magnetometer/pitot/OAT, then cover.
Planning to move things around in the garage and get the fuselage going too.
Not much to add in the way of exciting images, just the usual moving things along.
https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordp...3/img_0772.jpg
https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordp...2/img_0734.jpg
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Looks like great progress!
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Looks good; really like the black powdercoat. Wish I had done mine in black.
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Re: Mountainfox build thread
It has been awhile since I posted.
As of tonight
- One flaperon mounted, one to go
- LLE is done
- Need to mount the pitot, mount wingtip brackets, run some wires, do some finish sanding
Close to being able to cover the wings.
Spring break and a Rotax maintenance class have reduced work time but I am back at it. More pics in my signature.
I stole aviator79's method of flaperon bracket build. Helpful.
https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordp...4/img_0823.jpg
https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordp...4/img_0846.jpg
https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordp...4/img_0890.jpg
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Do you sleep?? Making some good progress!
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Been awhile since an update. Things accomplished...
Rudder pedals in. Took alot of sanding as most experience. First thing I did was put a level across the fuse, it was high in the middle by 1/8". Shimmed and all good. Rudder cables next.
Floors partially in, was waiting on rudder pedals before I cut the sides of the console, so I would only drill the floors once.
Center console fitted, need to attach sides. I added two notches for flaps like many others have done.
Rudder mounted, airfoiled ribs next.
Waiting on a FSDO guy to drop by and ready to cover wings.
Ordered the 912iS and firewall forward kit too.
A few random pics below and many more in the link in my sig.
https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordp...5/img_0916.jpg
https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordp...5/img_0932.jpg
https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordp...5/img_0935.jpg
https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordp...5/img_0951.jpg
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Looking good....step at a time!
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Looking great. Steady progress is the key. I wish I'd added another flap notch at that stage. I don't like full flaps. The handling really turns to crap. I only use half flaps. It wouldn't be too difficult to add, but it's harder to contemplate taking things apart once you have a flying plane.
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Looking Great. Since my computer crashed, I lost some photos. Nobody would know the difference if I just used your pics. :D
Glad to hear Im not the only one who doesn't like full flaps. Ive heard others state the same previously.
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Looks great Scott! Couple more weeks and you’ll be ready for engine start...! 😬
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Any opinion on this? I used the factory bolts. Seems to violate the 1 thread rule on the rudder pulleys
https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordp...5/img_0949.jpg
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You will run into this from time to time. I ordered an assortment of different bolt lengths for occasions like this. But I did what DF4 suggests, numerous times.
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I have been slacking on updating this. I have continued work on everything and making decent progress.
Summary as of now, 6 months in...
- First wing is moved out of my garage and to the hangar - ready for the paint booth - more polybrush, then polyspray
- Second wing is ready to rib stitch - hopefully it will go to the hangar also in 7-10 days
- Following the poly fiber book/video combo to the letter is key, ignore anything on the internet
- Garmin autopilot servos are figured out, finalizing mounting
- I have a punch list of things to do before starting fuse covering, should not be long before I start that
- 912iS gets delivered in 2 days, excited for that
- I have access to a paint booth, with a Citation sprayer/air system
- The paint scheme is a hard decision, still drawing options like a 3 year old with crayons
It was nice to meet some of you at Osh, both at the cookout and near your planes. Was nice to see finished planes and study them in person.
Random pics below, and more on my wordpress site.
https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordp...7/img_1168.jpg
https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordp...7/img_1191.jpg
https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordp...7/img_1130.jpg
https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordp...8/img_1367.jpg
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I best get moving or you will be flying before me...!
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Looking good Scott. Just found this thread, I’ll definitely be following on for the rest of your build!
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Great progress. I will be following along. Appreciate all the pic's! :)
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Haven't updated in awhile, sorry. My webpage is up to date largely though.
I beat the weather as far as getting the fuse painted. Cowlings were fun as a one man show. That was a multiple cigar job. Working on engine plumbing now. Radiator hoses done as of tonight. Oil lines done. Working on fuel lines now. Starting on panel soon and have an email in to Debra - time to order avionics - G3X stuff.
Still have a bit of covering work to do - elevator is mostly done. Rudder and horizontal stab left to do. I'll get them as far as polybrush then have to wait for warmer weather to paint - likely end of March.
Thanks to those who have answered some of my dumb questions.
https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordp...1/img_1613.jpg
https://mountainfoxbuild.files.wordp...2/img_1745.jpg
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Re: Mountainfox build thread
Looking very good Scott. Nice progress.