Bill's RV-7 Project

Next, I turned my attention back to the rear spar holes. I needed to open them to 5/16". For the first time on the project, I used the pneumatic drill. It was hard on my little compressor, but I needed the smaller drill to work in the tight area around the rear spar. I used the Unibit to open the hole enough to use the #12 bit. Then more Unibit to widen the hole so I could use the 1/4" bit. Then more Unibit until I could use my "D" bit. After the "D" bit, I used the 5/16" reamer I had bought especially for this particular job. This all took a little while, but the 5/16" hole came out nicely. The AN-5 rear spar bolt fits tightly.

April 14, 2007 - Canopy and Rear Spars
I never did find my awl so I borrowed one. Using the awl, I carefully put in all the screws, but not the washers and bolts. I took my time and did not force anything.

I put the canopy assembly on top of the foosball table for better access. I put on all the washers and bolts and tightened them up. But not too tight. So the canopy is on the frame; hopefully, never to come off again.

Next, I turned my attention back to the rear spar holes. I needed to open them to 5/16". For the first time on the project, I used the pneumatic drill. It was hard on my little compressor, but I needed the smaller drill to work in the tight area around the rear spar. I used the Unibit to open the hole enough to use the #12 bit. Then more Unibit to widen the hole so I could use the 1/4" bit. Then more Unibit until I could use my "D" bit. After the "D" bit, I used the 5/16" reamer I had bought especially for this particular job. This all took a little while, but the 5/16" hole came out nicely. The AN-5 rear spar bolt fits tightly.

The 5/16" hole.

AN-5 bolt installed with castle nut. I was a little nervous about drilling these holes but they came out fine.


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April 14, 2007 - Canopy and Rear Spars