Trim Tab Hinge

[mulwyk]

My BC12D project came in 4 big pieces, (2 wings, fuselage, engine) and a dozen cardboard boxes full of smaller parts...much of it for some other airplane! In one of the cardboard boxes were two (2!) T-Craft trim tabs, a wooden one and one made of aluminum. The wood trim tab was completely rotten, the fabric covering was the only thing holding it together. But the aluminum tab is rather nice and I'll be using that on my restoration. Problem is, two trim tabs but no hinge pin with either.

It looks like I just need a 1/8 steel rod (a welding rod?). I can slide it into the inboard end of the aluminum trim tab and through the elevator and tab hinge halves. But what holds the hinge pin in there?

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Trim Tab Hinge

Bob,
Look closely at the tab. On the metal tab there is a small hole near the end. Make a bend 1/2 inch long at teh end of the hinge pin (rod) and put the small bent portion into the hole in the tab. Presto! It can't back out.

If this is not how your tab is set up then I disavow all knowledge and I'll swear I never wrote this

[Marv]

Re: Trim Tab Hinge

Bob,
Look closely at the tab. On the metal tab there is a small hole near the end. Make a bend 1/2 inch long at teh end of the hinge pin (rod) and put the small bent portion into the hole in the tab. Presto! It can't back out.

If this is not how your tab is set up then I disavow all knowledge and I'll swear I never wrote this

If you are using welding rod. use stainless. You won't want things rusted in there and rust colored paint. Marv

[mulwyk]

Re: Trim Tab Hinge

Thanks guys. I'll use stainless. And Mark, I was wondering what that hole was for. Of course, just bend the pin and pop it into the hole. I was thinking I'd have to use cotter pins, or thread the rod and use locknuts on either end or...whatever.

Hats off to C.G. for yet another elegant design solution.

[Guest]

Re: Trim Tab Hinge

Mine does have a small hole in the left end of the hinge rod and a cotter key goes thru that hole in the rod and a hole in the elevator. The rod extends into the elevator on the left side. Will try to get a picture. Dave.