Build order - engine or wings next?

[Bryan Cotton]

My aerovee comes this month. My current goal is to finish the forward fuselage and get it on the gear. So after that should I build the engine or wings? I am leaning toward the engine as I think it will be quicker and take less space. I am wondering what the rest of you think.

[daleandee]

I am wondering what the rest of you think.

Wings ... can't fly without 'em!

Dale
N319WF

[mike.smith]

I don't know. I built my tail first, wings next, then fuselage, and finally the engine. For me it was a matter of space. I knew the wings would tuck away against a wall on a wing stand while I built the fuselage. Because once the fuselage was built is was going to take up a major portion of my basement.

One things to consider: an engine fully assembled for a length of time will get moisture inside just from the moisture in the air. Air plus water plus metal = possible rust.

In the end, I don't think there is a correct order. Which would make you happier? Seeing your completed wings each day? Or seeing your completed engine while you're spending many hours on your wings?

Mike Smith
Sonex N439M

[Darick]

Bryan,
After receiving my engine I felt the need to get aquatinted with it...always a temptation to play with a new toy you know. There were plenty of aluminum chips in the cooling fins which I cleaned out and also places where the casting process had left extra metal between the fins. After spending a day or so cleaning out the extra metal I felt satisfied enough to continue on with the wings. See my web page for more details about the engine.
I agree with Mike...idle engine closed up and possible moisture = rust. Had that problem with my Ercoupe and cost $5000 to get fixed.

[fastj22]

I am wondering what the rest of you think.

Wings ... can't fly without 'em!

Dale
N319WF

Engine ... can't fly without it! Sorry, couldn't resist.

Are you burned out working with sheet metal? Then build the engine next and take a break from clecos and deburring.

You can pickle it easily to prevent any corrosion.

[Darick]

That's true. And I like the idea of getting a break from deburring and clecos.

[Bob]

I built the tail first. Then bought the rest of the kit. Been working on Rt. wing since I received the kit in Feb. Figured I could work around the finished wings easier than having the fuse. sitting in the way. Fuse. will be next, fit the wings, take them off, then either mount an engine or start putting in instr. (not sure which first). Wing is taking forever (Xenos and I am flush riveting-maybe a mistake!).

Bob in VA. Xenos #59

[daleandee]

That's true. And I like the idea of getting a break from deburring and clecos.

Good point. My vote for the wings considers that they are a very important part of the aircraft and would turn out better if you began now while the skills of reading the plans and building with sheet metal are still in the front lobe of the cerebral cortex. ;)

In reality it is whatever suits the builder. It has to all be done when the DAR shows up and he ain't gonna care what order it was completed in.

Fun discussion though ...

Dale
N319WF

[Rynoth]

I'll just second the comment that the wings take the most space to build, but store the easiest once finished. If that doesn't impact your consideration, flip a coin!

[MichaelFarley56]

This is completely my two cents, so take it for what it's worth...

Do the wings next. My opinion is that the wings are the most boring and tedious part of the build with all of the necessary deburring. It's easy but takes a while. Get that done ASAP so you can enjoy the rest of the build.

The engine assembly will be the reward for finishing the wings!