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Thread: Hoenshell's Build

  1. #11
    Hoenshell's Avatar
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    Apr 2018
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    Kansas City, MO
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    Default Re: Hoenshell's Build

    I found this thread and looks like you have to access the nuts through the fabric? Maybe the only way is to create inspection holes? Might be too much work to change color of control rod.

    http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/sho...ght=floorboard

  2. #12
    Hoenshell's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hoenshell's Build

    The previous builder used fabric and sewn in window for the butt rib close out. If you can see in the picture the window has some kind of orange peel, probably from age. It looks like most builders are not going this route?



  3. #13
    Senior Member HighWing's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hoenshell's Build

    For some reason on my 1993 Model IV, I left the butt rib uncovered. I came to like the look and the ease of checking things out visually during the year without having to fold the wings. The New IV is the same. I recall being able to see the actual fuel sloshing in the tank through the translucent end panel. Just me, I guess, as I see most closing that area and leaving the window for the sight gauges.
    Lowell Fitt
    Goodyear, AZ


    My You Tube Channel

  4. #14
    Senior Member Dave S's Avatar
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    Oct 2008
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    St Paul, MN
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    Default Re: Hoenshell's Build

    Shawn,


    I think what you are looking at with the fabric covered buttrib and plastic sewn in window is an artifact of the original kit design.


    Even our early S7, which predated the time when John Mc Bean owned the company, had instructions in the build manual for the same type of closure. I elected to fabricate light weight aluminum plates for the front and rear rib openings; and, a polycarbonate window for the center section over the sight gauges - which is the design Kitfox now uses. This also provides access to the door hinge bolts which you could not get to with the fabric covered design. I think most of us are currently bonding in aluminum closure between the door hinges between the buttrib and the fuselage frame to close off the outside without using the fabric wrap around.
    Dave S
    Kitfox 7 Trigear (Flying since 2009)
    912ULS Warp Drive

    St Paul, MN

  5. #15

    Join Date
    Oct 2010
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    Calgary, Alberta
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    55

    Default Re: Hoenshell's Build

    I covered the I/B side of my butt ribs with 0.016 aluminum; cut out the center for the sight glass , then fabricated wing root fairings so I get a good seal at the top of the door.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  6. #16
    Hoenshell's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hoenshell's Build

    Well, I removed the fabric last night; especially after seeing one in person that used aluminum and poly-carbonate to close off the butt rib. That fabric had to go because of the poor visibility though that window. Thanks for the info guys!

  7. #17
    Hoenshell's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hoenshell's Build

    What's the best way to open the holes in the horizontal stabilizer for the bolts to connect the struts. It's been covered with fabric and painted; there is a round patch tacked into place over the holes. Is a soldering iron used to open those up or a drill bit or something else?

  8. #18
    Senior Member jiott's Avatar
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    Jun 2010
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    Portland, OR
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    Default Re: Hoenshell's Build

    Use a small soldering iron or a woodburning tool with a small tip. Using heat to melt thru the fabric seals the edges so there is no unraveling.
    Jim Ott
    Portland, OR
    Kitfox SS7 flying
    Rotax 912ULS

  9. #19
    Hoenshell's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hoenshell's Build

    Thanks, worked perfectly! Now, if I can just find the right bolts.

  10. #20
    Hoenshell's Avatar
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    Default Re: Hoenshell's Build

    So I'm working on getting the MIV Bush Gear, 22" Dresser Tundra tires with Grove Wheels and Brakes. That should pretty much take care of the front gear, but what about the back end? This is what I have now. I think I need to upgrade to a pneumatic tire at minimum, but anyone know if this spring is alright? It was an aluminum tailspring upgrade from Kitfox back in the 1999. Do I need to upgrade this whole tailwheel setup?


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