458lk

[Kitfox Pilot]

Todd, Welcome to the the world of building a kitfox! Most of the knowledge that you will need is right here on teamkitfox. There are some great builders here that enjoy helping us new builders out. I am very thankful for their help and I'm sure you will be too. Look forward to watching your build. Harlan

[alexM]

Funny story. I obtained my project from across the country. A few weeks later I see a series 7 project in Port Angeles, WA on Barnstormers - maybe an hour away for me, and a nice drive even.
A good chance it was your plane. Funny how many miles a project can get on it before flying.

[PapuaPilot]

Heat might help, but don't get it too hot.

For removal you can use a fine thread bolt (like an AN3), nut, socket and a bushing that is slightly smaller than the bushing you are removing. Put the bushing on one side and the socket on the other. Make sure the socket is big enough to receive the aircraft bushing. Draw this smaller bushing into the elevator by tightening the bolt & nut. The aircraft bushing will go into the socket. Viola. It's all about having the right size socket, bushing and the right length bolt(s).

[tdldedcd]

The build has slowed down because I recently got current and finished up my tail wheel endorsement. Had a great flight with my better half and Kitfox buddy Eddie and his significant other. Looking forward to flying when we are both are in Kitfoxes!

Received my tail wheel instruction/endorsement in this cool plane. Checked off a lot of bucket list items.
Attachment 26917


9095H.jpg

Eddie’s plane looking good. Sorry for the upside down pictures.



Attachment 26945
Midlife1.jpg
5A500E41-F80F-4952-B57D-04F2BA02F6BF.jpeg

My awesome copilot.

copilot.jpg

Amazing views all around.
68BA02E5-E6D8-429E-A51B-6A429B1A386C.jpg

Attachment 26922Breaks over. Time to get to back to work. More build photos to follow soon.




Attachment 26918

[tdldedcd]

Thanks Eddie. Let's get together and going flying again soon.

Alex, the directions really are very good. Read and re-read them. The more I read them, the more comfortable I got. If you have any questions, PM me and I can offer up things I learned.You've got this!!
I'm flying a Citabria right now too. Fun little plane.

[tdldedcd]

Was able to make a little progress this week. Work has been crazy so finding time to build is challenging. Ran into a snag that I would sure appreciate some advice on. The previous owner/builder pressed the bushing into the horizontal stab. They all look good except for one. It is not flush. I tried the c-clamp method to get it the rest of the way in but it won't budge. Any suggestions for getting it out?
bearing.jpg

Thanks for the help.

[tdldedcd]

Thanks again Harlan! This gives me a starting point to talk to the welder so I have some idea of what I'm talking about. Definitely heading into uncharted territory on this one. Like my wife keeps reminding me, "You wanted a challenge."

Take Care and Happy New Year!

[efwd]

Ah yes, the dreaded wing rigging. I just noticed that this is the first time the subject came up and I didn't experience palpitations from the PTSD. It only took two years. Looking great Todd!

[tdldedcd]

Happy New Year All. I'm so behind on updating my build log. Work's been crazy and I've been dedicating all my free time to building (I know; preaching to the choir!) Here's an update on what I've gotten done the past year.

Fabricated this mount for the ELT antenna:
ELT Antenna.jpg
Battery, ELT, and back up battery tray behind the baggage area.
IMG_1968.jpg
Starting the covering process on the fuselage.
IMG_1976.jpg
The handle proved to be a bit of a challenge. Think it turned out ok.
IMG_1980.jpg
Fuselage all covered. Actually enjoyed this part quite a bit.
IMG_1982.jpg
Always nice to have great help. This build is a family affair.
IMG_1916.jpg

First coat of PolyBrush all on.
IMG_1986.jpg IMG_1919.jpg
Dolly for the fuel cap.
IMG_1930.jpg
Getting ready to install the reinforcing tapes.
IMG_1947.jpgIMG_1948.jpg
Frankenfuselage!!
IMG_1989.jpg

Spraying final coat of PolyBrush
Attachment 31468

Doubling checking the movement of the flaperons.
Attachment 31470

Making the wings silver.
Attachment 31469

More to come....

[tdldedcd]

Brett, I have amazing neighbors. They nicknamed the paint booth the "hazmat tent" or "methlab". They have been so curious and helpful during the build. Most of them are going to be added to the build log as associate builders!!

Thanks for the support guys.