Horizontal Stabilizer Ribs

[mottim]

Hello Team Kitfox,

I'm about to bond the ribs of the horizontal stabilizer and for 2 of them, without even trimming them, they are too small and there are gaps in the front and back as you can see in the pictures.
Should I move them a little to a spot where they fit or just closed these gabs with the adhesive/flox mixture?


Thanks,
Motti

[Kitfox Pilot]

It is ok to move them a bit, But the main thing is you need to do the elevator at the same time because they need to line up with the elevator wood to look right when covered.

[mottim]

Thank you, Harlan!
And by the way, I enjoy watching your videos. You’re doing a great job! 👍🏼

[Meyer]

Yes, do what Harlan said. Get them mocked up with both back to back and then reposition and trim as needed.

[mottim]

Another thing is that the tabs in the elevator are not fully aligned with the bushings. Any suggestions for fixing that?

[Kitfox Pilot]

Yes you will have to do some aligning on things like that along the way. A couple of mine had to be bent out a little. Some have had to cut and reweld them to make them fit right.
The two wood ribs in the center on you HS get a hole drilled in them before you glue them on. Its much harder after they are glued on don't ask me how I know...

[mottim]

What hole you're referring to? Do you mean where the bushing is in the back to move the ribs in and out easily?

[Kitfox Pilot]

Number 11 is the one I missed.

[mottim]

I did that part. Thanks, Harlan!
I actually continued all the way to the back of the rib so when I slide the rib to its place I don't need to bend it.

[mottim]

How deep should I go with the solvent and the scotch brite while preparing for the bonding?
Did you attach all the ribs with the CA and accelerator first?
Is epoxy primer needed after the scotch brite and solvent after the ribs are bonded to the tubes?


Thanks,
Motti