Vertical Stabilizer

[muehlberg]

Glen,

I had the same problem. This was my non-factory approved solution. I don't recommend beating on it. I used a vise and some simple leverage. I cut two pieces of 1 by wood to match the bottom end. Placed one piece on either side of the bottom of the stiffener and locked in the with the edge of the vise just below the bend line. Then is used a 2x4 on one side and a 1x4 in the other side of the top portion of the stiffener and clamped them together. I kept the wood an inch or so above the bend line. Then using the 2x4 for leverage, I gently worked the stiffener into the correct angle. I then assembled the vertical stab. Later everything line up perfectly when mounting the vertical stab to the horizontal stab. It was not hard to correct when working with just the stiffener. If the vertical stab was assembled, I believe it would be a bit more challenging. Sorry, I didn't take any photos, I was just trying the correct it. Your the only other builder who has brought this up. I just figured I was the only one who encountered it.

Eric Muehlberg
Panther SN 11

[GlenNJ]

I have been prepping the vertical stabilizer parts, and ran into some problems while checking the angles. The prints show that the vertical stabilizer's forward spar stiffener should have a angle of 19 degrees. Mine came at an angle of 24 degrees. If it doesn't hurt to take this angle back out, what is the recommended way to do this? I was thinking of laying a 2 x 6 over the long part of the stiffener, and clamping it too my work table (one edge resting about where the angle starts). Then I'd like to lay a 2 x 4 over the short end of the stiffener (this end will be in the air), and carefully beat the angle back to 19 degrees, with a sledge hammer. Is there a better way to do this?

Glen