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Topics - mattstecher

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Hangar Flying / VEZ elevator rebuild - torque tube corrosion protection

« on: September 30, 2013, 08:14:44 PM »

Rebuilding a Varieze and the elevators were about a pound overweight (both sides) and about a degree past the balance limit so I am rebuilding them.

I have demolished the elevators down to bare torque tubes (and kept the hardware hoping to re-use) and am wondering what is the best way to add corrosion protection.

Canard Pusher Newsletter #66 recommends Alodine for new elevator builds, but I have found that unless the aluminum is completely clean Alodine does not penetrate well. Not to mention that its difficult to apply unless you can use a bath.

So I am wondering if I can use Zinc Phosphate instead?

Any and all advice is appreciated.

Fly and build safe,
Matt Stecher
VEZ N54EG

Hangar Flying / VEZ aileron control slop

« on: July 25, 2013, 11:24:08 PM »

I am putting the aileron controls back together on my Vari and am seeing quite a bit of slop. About 1/4 inch side to side at the FW where the pushrods attach to the CS124 fitting and the pilots stick is not moving. It seems to be aft of the passenger bearing and in front of the FW which seems to point me to the universal joint. How do I test these? Or should I be looking at something else. The plans don't seem to give me any guidance on what tolerance I need to meet here.
Thanks folks,
Matt Stecher
Varieze 54EG
Cozy4 #1551 in chapter 11

Hangar Flying / New VEZ owner

« on: March 29, 2013, 11:26:11 PM »

Just picked up 54EG a Varieze built by Earl Ellis that last flew in 2000. Richard Sessions was the last owner and has been a big help getting me up to speed. I look forward to picking everyone's brains as I get deeper into the rebuild.

My first question is: Has anyone had any luck getting the repairmans cert. when all the primary components have already been built by someone else? It seems like some of the fast build kits being certified these days have a lot less work to do than I have to.

Fly safe,
Matt Stecher
Katy, TX
Varieze N54EG rebuild
Cozy4#1551 (chapter 11)