
ASSEMBLY MANUAL: Glasair SII / III
Coat the bottom of the fin with epoxy, and slip the fin into position. This should pull
the fin down into its slot, Back on top use any extra epoxy to fill in any remaining
gaps around the stab or between the fin and the fuselage. Clean up the excess
epoxy again, then let it sit until the epoxy cures out.
Stabilizer and Fin Installed
11. Back in step 1 we epoxied the hinge points to the movable surfaces. Now its time
to finish the job. If you have not done so already, check out EVERY HINGE and
make sure it moves freely and is free of excess epoxy. Remember the tape
markers we put on the elevators - match them all up. Pre install and make sure
every thing fits well in preparation for the final installation. Mix a batch of 30 minute
epoxy. Using a toothpick, wet out and put a drop on each hinge point hole.
Carefully install each control surface. Use
1
/
32
” balsa or thin cardboard shims to
assure a uniform and close hinge gap on each surface. Allow to cure, preferably
overnight. When cured, wiggle each control surface and inspect EVERY hinge for
signs of globs of epoxy that could be interfering with free motion of the control
surface.
Elevators & Rudder Installed
12. The last tail piece to install is the dorsal fin. The
Glasair has a relatively short tail – the extra side
area afforded by the dorsal improves directional
stability – do not leave it in the box. Take some care
to properly align this piece! For alignment on the
centerline of the fuselage, use the location of the top-
most fuselage stringer, which is visible at the aft
hatch bulkhead. Another good reference for
centerline is the overlapping seam in the covering at
the top of the fuselage. As always, remove a strip of
covering from the top fuselage and the base of the
fin leading edge. Also make sure to remove any
covering overlapping the gluing surfaces of the
dorsal. Use medium CA or epoxy to install the
dorsal fin.
Dorsal Fin Installed
13. Next install the Elevator Pushrod. The easiest way to do this is to start by installing
a plastic tube in each
of the UPPER
fuselage slots under
the stabilizer. Slide
these forward until
they reach the radio
bay. Slip one end of
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