RV-8QB: SB 16-12-16 Missing Center Section Bolts

[SmilingJack]

Originally Posted by jbDC9

For this SB, is there a serial number range or perhaps a a kit "vintage" date? I checked my -8QB this morning, bolts were factory installed. Which is good I guess... 2004 QB fuselage, been flying for 10 years.

Me too. I confirmed today my late 2008 QB (delivery date of fuselage)also had the bolts installed.

[tracy]

The earlier (pre-2006, pre-punched) 8's came with factory rivets installed in these holes. I called vans and they said this was ok.

[skylor]

Originally Posted by tracy

The earlier (pre-2006, pre-punched) 8's came with factory rivets installed in these holes. I called vans and they said this was ok.

Be careful with this assumption. My 2003 QB had the open holes that needed the fasteners installed.

Skylor
RV-8

[longline]

had the open holes. I guess it is a pre-punch kit, it for sure is not a quick build. I am noting a lot of variability in the reports from the field here.

[RVG8tor]

The SB does not mention RV-8A but it also does not say that it does not apply. My guess is that it does not apply (NA) since these holes are used to attach the main gear weld-mounts.

I want to confirm so that I don't make a needless compliance entry into my aircraft records.

Cheers

[RVG8tor]

If your wings are off you can make the wrench I mentioned above to reach the bolts. Here is the kit log entry with a picture.

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/displa...=71255&row=185

Cheers

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by RVG8tor

The SB does not mention RV-8A but it also does not say that it does not apply. My guess is that it does not apply (NA) since these holes are used to attach the main gear weld-mounts.

I want to confirm so that I don't make a needless compliance entry into my aircraft records.

Cheers

The assumption is that if an RV-8A hasn't lost its main gear legs that the bolts are likely installed.

If it applied to both it would say RV-8 and RV-8A

[chrispratt]

Originally Posted by tracy

The earlier (pre-2006, pre-punched) 8's came with factory rivets installed in these holes. I called vans and they said this was ok.

Thanks for posting this Tracy. My -8QB kit was delivered March, 1999. It has rivets installed, no bolts. I spent about three hours going through the SB, my drawings, and a special trip to the hangar to inspect my spar looking for these bolts. Obviously no luck finding the bolts or empty holes since they weren't a part of the spar design at that time. So why the discrepancy on dates and results as reported in this thread? That's a mystery.

P.S. If it helps my serial number is 80898, first kit order in December 1998.

Chris

[Veetail88]

Are there possibly some cherry max rivets that could be used here? I have open holes. Obviously missed this step in the manual and am lothe to drill holes to access the nuts.

[Dave Stephens]

I checked mine today (QB) about 6 years old and the bolts are missing, i also checked a slow build in the hangar thats about 10 years old and the 4 outside bolts were missing, so its not just QB kits affected!