Elevator root assembly question

[Sonex1517]

Sent this to Tech Support but I am interested in others experiences:

Hope its an easy question:

On page SNX-T02, there is a note that states "Maintain 78" overall width of Elevator Assembly, allow inboard edge of elevator skins to float on Elevator Root Assembly."

I do not understand the note - does it mean to use the Elevator root assembly on each elevator to move in our out to determine the 78" overall width prior to riveting it?

Am I to trim the Elevator inside edges or not in order to make this width?

What do you mean by "float?"

Anyone who has been there and done that (and recalls this step) please chime in - thanks!

[Andy Walker]

IIRC you can trim or not, any overhang is considered cosmetic. The way I did this was to lay the elevators flat on a table (put them top down so the horn doesn't hang down), set the width, and then move the horn assembly around to get the best fit. Once you are satisfied, clamp everything down and pilot drill.

[Sonex1517]

Thanks Andy! Exactly what I thought but the note made me second guess...

[Andy Walker]

Thanks Andy! Exactly what I thought but the note made me second guess...

As an added note, the trickiest part of this method is when you flip them over to drill the top sides. You need to keep them flat, but the horn will hang down and make that hard. If you put them on the edge of the table with the horn hanging over the table edge, you should have enough elevator on the table to ensure "flatness." Also, if you drill the holes on the leading edges before you flip them rightside up, you'll make the assembly more still in two dimensions and that will make them flex less and will make getting thing right easier.

BTW, I have a spare elevator from before I figured out this process. :oops:

Good luck!

[Sonex1517]

yep - we're working on the elevator awaiting parts to rebuild the right side of the stabilizer. :(

Thanks Andy!