Horizontal stabilizer bolts

[shipljl]

Looks like I need some help again. I intended to install my horizontal stabilizer but came upon a problem. Only one of the two forward bolts will fit. It's the same on both sides. It would appear that only one bolt was in place when I disassembled it three years ago. I honestly can't remember. Can anyone tell me, is there only one bolt holding the front of each stabilizer in place.

The two bolts won't even fit through the stabilizer by itself as the two bolts interfere with each other. If its only one bolt, which one should it be, the vertical or the horizontal?

[3Dreaming]

Re: Horizontal stabilizer bolts

Should only be one bolt for each side in the front and rear. Pre war airplane had the bolt go in from the front with the nut inside the stabilizer. Post war was drilled from top to bottom. If they both go in from the same dirrection then someone drilled it wrong at some time. Make sure you pick the hole that allows the trailing edge to be straight, otherwise things will bind.

[shipljl]

Re: Horizontal stabilizer bolts

I need to resurrect this thread for some advice. We're now doing the annual inspection and soon I may be able to fly this plane.
This thread was about extra holes in the front stabilizer tube and in the stubs on the fuselage. Because they have two holes, at right angles, my mechanic is concerned about structural strength. It appears that sometime in the past, someone drilled extra holes. I have inserted the bolts through the vertical holes as they worked for proper alignment, otherwise the elevator would be stressed and possibly bind up.

What is the opinion of the group? Will the extra hole in the stabilizer be a cause for structural integrity?

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Horizontal stabilizer bolts

John,
It is difficult to make a judgement without seeing your plane, but here goes anyway…

Steel is incredibly strong and it might be fine. But now the down side. Is the structure work hardened? Any corrosion past to present? Any notches or burrs that could initiate a crack? I don't know the answer to any of these questions. The structure might work fine for a long time to come, and then fail in turbulence someday. So at the most basic level, you take a risk with the extra hole in the structure.

If it were mine I would probably peel back some fabric and TIG weld the extra holes, TIG introduces the least amount of heat and minimizes fabric damage. Then a minor repair to the fabric and it is good to go.

[astjp2]

Re: Horizontal stabilizer bolts

In short no, but I am anal and would weld them closed myself..Tim

I need to resurrect this thread for some advice. We're now doing the annual inspection and soon I may be able to fly this plane.
This thread was about extra holes in the front stabilizer tube and in the stubs on the fuselage. Because they have two holes, at right angles, my mechanic is concerned about structural strength. It appears that sometime in the past, someone drilled extra holes. I have inserted the bolts through the vertical holes as they worked for proper alignment, otherwise the elevator would be stressed and possibly bind up.

What is the opinion of the group? Will the extra hole in the stabilizer be a cause for structural integrity?

[Guest]

Re: Horizontal stabilizer bolts

Get a 15" x 15" (approx.) sheet of steel or stainless and cut a hole about 1" in the center. A hole just big enough to slide over the horz. stab. stub.

Get about 6 terry cloth towels and soak in water, lay them on the fabric around the stub then slide the metal sheet over the stub.

You can weld the hole up with a small acetylene/oxy torch.

I've done it, it works.

Check the towel placement and wetness. Look out for places where the flame mat squirt thru and position towels appropriately.

Dave

[Scott]

Re: Horizontal stabilizer bolts

remember, the flying loads are not cocentrated at these attach pionts. the flying wires and attach points are much more critical.

I'd be inclined to leave well enough alone or make a proper repair which would prbably include sleves as opposed to just welding up the holes.