NorthernRV4
Well Known Member
Since I'm nearing completion of my tail kit I've been reviewing the build manual and plans for the next stage of construction, my wings. A little background to my project. Kit #658 circa 1986 was purchased from EAA105 who sold on behalf of an estate. Some components had been lost over the years and I purchased new parts from Vans to replace them. I have the factory built Phlogiston Spar option and the wings are completely untouched.
As always, a problem when mixing new and old parts you run into design changes that create a lot of head scratching. I realized this weekend that the wing tank baffle (T-402) had been changed from a forward facing flange to an aft facing flange that slips over the Spar Web Doubler (W-406B) as per the new drawing 17A
My kit came with drawing 17 so the tanks are the old style where the baffle faces forward. I can see that with the new design the forward row of screws through the tank skin and the baffle to the spar doubler flange. This seems be a more secure method of attaching the tanks.
My plans show the forward row of screws that attach the tank skin to the main spar flange only.
My question is whether there are known issues with the older design. From what I understand, if I wanted to change to the new design I'd have to change the forward spar doubler to the new dimension part which would allow the tank baffle to fit over it's flanges. This would require disassembling the main spar and retrofitting the new spar web doubler. I wouldn't want to do this unless it was absolutely necessary. I plan to call Van's on Monday but I'm sure there is great experience to glean here on VAF?
As always, a problem when mixing new and old parts you run into design changes that create a lot of head scratching. I realized this weekend that the wing tank baffle (T-402) had been changed from a forward facing flange to an aft facing flange that slips over the Spar Web Doubler (W-406B) as per the new drawing 17A
My kit came with drawing 17 so the tanks are the old style where the baffle faces forward. I can see that with the new design the forward row of screws through the tank skin and the baffle to the spar doubler flange. This seems be a more secure method of attaching the tanks.
My plans show the forward row of screws that attach the tank skin to the main spar flange only.
My question is whether there are known issues with the older design. From what I understand, if I wanted to change to the new design I'd have to change the forward spar doubler to the new dimension part which would allow the tank baffle to fit over it's flanges. This would require disassembling the main spar and retrofitting the new spar web doubler. I wouldn't want to do this unless it was absolutely necessary. I plan to call Van's on Monday but I'm sure there is great experience to glean here on VAF?