Center Wing Skin Gaps

Cutting Access Holes

First step to trimming the wing skins to achieve a proper gap was to cut the access holes. The access holes disconnect sections of the skin so that the skins can bend slightly to overlap! Note: I used a Dennis Brooks image for cutting the rear spar fitting gap.

Cutting Access Hole

I used the faithful OLFA laminate cutter to remove sections. Easy to do ... and no deformation on adjoining aluminum. Step drill used to enlarge hole to proper size.

Wing Access Cutouts

Wish I had made these holes 1/8-inch wider on both sides and 1/4-inch longer on the left cutout (my wife says I have big hands). Once the skins have a cutout, it is easier to overlap the skins.

Assembly

Starting to connect the two wing panels together.

Wing Joint Skin Gap

This view shows the slight overlap of the nose skin between the Right Wing Panel (on the left) and the Center Wing on the right. You will notice that the Center Wing has a slight sharper nose due to the use of factory ribs and my buillt-up ribs on the outer panel. This should result in the center wing stalling before the outer wing ... preferred! Gap between nose skins ranges from 3/16-inch overlap at the top main spare to a 1/8-inch gap at the bottom. Zero gap is just slightly above the most forward point of the nose.

Look closely to see overlap

Cantilevered Wing on Workbench

Cool picture. The Center Wing is temporarily fastened to the workbench. Also, a counter weight is that the far right (belt and suspenders).

Counter Weight

The Center Wing is screwed to the table; thus, a counterweight is not really needed. Call this, "Suspenders and a belt."

Step Ladder provide support during assembly

Wing tip height can be adjusted by adding or removing spacers. Carpet on top. Since the Cleco's are installed internally on the Center Wing ... no pads are required on the workbench as the wing is resting on the Cleco points.

Rear Spar Access

Adkins and Dennis Brooks access cutouts for the rear spar fittings. Center Wing is on the left and the right outer wing panel on the right. The Center Wing has factory ribs while the wing panel has built up ribs. As a result, the rear spar webs are at a slightly different angles. Thus, the outer wing fitting fits in front of the Center Wing fitting ... AND ... requires no spacer. Compare to Dennis' fittings.

Rear Spar Access - Aileron lower right in each image

Adkins and Dennis Brooks' respectively access cutouts for the rear spar fittings. Center Wing is on the left and the right outer wing panel on the right. On Adkins' wing, the Center Wing has factory ribs while the wing panel has built up ribs. As a result, the rear spar webs are at a slightly different angles. As a result, the outer wing fitting fits in front of the Center Wing fitting ... AND ... requires no spacer. Compare to Dennis' fittings ... nice job! You will note his fittings overlap the opposite way as per the plans. Also, I did not have to cut off 1/8-inch from the angle side that faces up!