Spent time this weekend working on the trim tab assembly. Have opened the cutout for the push rod and have temporarily mounted the servo motor. Everything is drilled out to final size, but not riveted yet. Probably the last time I'll work on the plane until after Open Hangar Weekend. Look forward to seeing and meeting many of you there!

More work on the elevator Saturday and again today, Monday. Have drilled spars ribs and skins to final sizes and about ready to disassemble for priming. Worked on fitting the upper and lower horns today.

Put the horizontal stabilizer issues aside and concentrated on the elevator assembly yesterday. Rib assembly is built and cleco'd. Tips are drilled but need to do some sizing on the hinge pins. Got the rear channel assembly built and installed. Should finish elevator next weekend. Will then resume work on the stabilizer. Looks like I'll be able to use A5 rivets where I have had some rivet removal damage, thus saving me from having to purchase a new stabilizer skin!

After realizing I have rivetted the wrong side of the stabilizer first, I drilled out the rivets and removed the skin. At first, I thought I was going to be able to salvage everything, but upon closer examination, it is obvious to me that I have to replace the skin as there is too much hole damage in some areas from removing the rivets. It looks as though the spar and ribs are ok. Putting the stabilizer aside for now and starting on the elevator. May try to pick up a new skin at Open Hangar…

Began the final assembly of the horizontal stabilizer this weekend. Finished riveting the rib assembly and started to lay the skin on for the final time to begin riveting. But in an act that I can only attribute to carelessness or stupidity, or both, I layer downed and riveted the top side first. When I tried to pull the skin over the gussets, I realized I was in trouble. There is no way I can do it. I will try drilling out the rivets and salvage what I can, but my first attempts resulted in…

Spent some time today reassembling the rib cage for the horizontal stabilizer. Previously, I damaged three of rear nose ribs when drilling the skin. I tried to do some repair work by adding a piece of L angle to the damaged areas, but I'm not happy with the results and I don't want to do any more damage. Therefore, I have ordered replacement ribs and now I have a better idea as to how I want to drill the wing ribs when the time comes.

Got back on the project this weekend after a few weeks absence. Yesterday, I spent time repairing the horizontal stabilizer ribs that I damaged during the initial assembly. Listening to comments from others on this site, I cut some small "L" angle pieces, fluting them where necessary, and reinforced the damaged areas where I got a little sloppy with the drill. Also did some corrosion control with these additional pieces and along the mating surfaces of the ribs.

After drilling the horizontal stabilizer to A4 size, I disassembled to begin deburring and corrosion control. When I removed the skins and starting breaking down the skeleton, I saw where I had damaged 3 of the 4 rear ribs during the drilling. I don't think these ribs would pass inspection (certainly not mine!) and I'm ordering replacement ribs this week before proceeding on this assembly. Wondering if anyone else has had this issue?

Not much accomplished this weekend other than drilling and mounting the center hinge bracket on the horizontal stabilizer. Drilled out most of the stabilizer to A4 but am short on clecos and reluctant to complete drilling until I receive the clecos I ordered earlier in the week. Should be able to finish drilling next weekend. Will then disassemble, debur and prime for final assembly and riveting.

Little time to work this weekend but was able to drill out stabilizer to size A4 and cleco. Had to get additional ratchet straps to cinch the skin to the skeleton properly. Instructions say 4 straps minimum... word to the wise; I would up that to 6. It really makes a difference. Try not to cover any rib holes in the process. I still have a little more drilling to do, but need to order more clecos, so I will do that this week. Having a blast!

Spent time this weekend drilling and cleco'ing front and rear stabilizer spars, attached ribs and assembled stabilizer skeleton. Began to lay skin before darkness hit. Another couple of hours and I should have the stabilizer finished and can begin work on the elevator.

Picked up the tail kit at one of the local truck terminals this morning. Got some interesting looks from people staring at that 9 foot long box in the back of my pick-up! After getting it home, I did a complete inventory and began working on the rear horizontal stabilizer spar. Realized then I don't have nearly enough silver clecos, so I just ordered a bunch from Zenith.

Took advantage of a beautiful March Saturday to complete my 750 rudder. Today, I drilled and cleco'd the nose skin, trimmed the excess aluminum, disassembled everything, primed the contact areas, re-cleco'd and riveted the whole thing together. Now I need to save a few pennies and purchase the tail kit. But that can't happen until after I pay my taxes!!

Drilled and ceco'd the rear rudder skin today. Also slipped on the nose skin but ran out of time before I could do anything but tape it down.

After several weeks of cold weather and business trips, I resumed work on the rudder this weekend. Sprayed Zinc Oxide primer where needed on ribs and spar. Cleco'd everything back together and then got to use my pneumatic riveter and air compressor compressor for the first time. One bad rivet had to be drilled out and re-done, Next weekend, the skins.

Added by David A. Judkins on January 7, 2012 at 3:24pm — No Comments

Cracked open the rudder kit this afternoon for a quick inspection of parts. Will hopefully start building Sunday or Monday. Noticed that there were some pieces listed in the exploded parts breakout on the plans that were not on the packing list...75R2-1, 75R2-2, 75R2-8 and 75R2-9. Thinking I need to call Zenith on Tuesday to make sure these pieces are not supposed to be in the kit.

Added by David A. Judkins on December 31, 2011 at 11:53pm — 3 Comments

Warmer temps today permitted me to go out and begin rudder construction. Drilled and clecoed ribs to spar and horn to spar. Now I have to disassemble, debur, apply solvent and rivet. Just ordered solvent from Aircraft Spruce. A very good day!

Cracked open the rudder kit this afternoon for a quick inspection of parts. Will hopefully start building Sunday or Monday. Noticed that there were some pieces listed in the exploded parts breakout on the plans that were not on the packing list...75R2-1, 75R2-2, 75R2-8 and 75R2-9. Thinking I need to call Zenith on Tuesday to make sure these pieces are not supposed to be in the kit.