Building a Replacement Rudder

Hi everyone,

I know this has been covered here, but I can't seem to find a definitive answer in the archives. I have a -6 in need of a new rudder. The aircraft was built ~1995 before prepunched parts were available. The original builder built a new rudder in 1998, when I understand prepunched parts were available, but I have the receipt from his order and he chose to reorder the same parts as used on the original build: R-402 spar, R-403 top rib, R-404 bottom rib, R-401 skin, 4-406, r-407, etc.

I know I will need to match drill the rod end bearing holes, so that will require at least a R-402 spar.

My question is... should/can I use R-601PP/R-601PP-020 prepunched skin, R-606PP+R-607PP Reinf Plates, R-405PD Predrilled rudder horn, and R-410PP rib horn, or should I stick with all of the old, non-prepunched parts? As a non-builder I have no jigs, and my primary goal with using the PP parts is to avoid the need for one. Is that even possible using the R-402 spar?

This thread has some additional info, but lacks the definite answer I'm looking for: http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=78729

Thanks!

-jon

How badly damaged is your rudder? If it is possible to salvage your spar and hinges, the rebuild will be relatively easy.

The rudder jig is a minor issue. I wouldn't let it stand in the way of using the non-pp parts so you can salvage your spar.

6 rudder

I built a older 6 rudder for someone a few years back. If I remember right I bought the Not pre punched spar and the pre punched skin. PM me if you want or call me 281 210 6582

Thanks!

Kyle Boatright said:

How badly damaged is your rudder?

Click to expand...

Thanks so much Kyle and Bartman for the input! It's just a reskin for cracks at the forward rivets. I had not even considered reusing the existing spar, that might work out very well. And it sounds like I can do some mix and match with the prepunched stuff. Thanks again!

-jon

rudder

I think I am going to be out your way in mid July (Miggie Valley and Gastonia) if you need ant help.