Fitting the fin (aka, Just gimme the damn chainsaw!)

After painting I was in a mental block about going back to the wiring, so I decided to hang the stabs and take a look. While I was at it, I decided to fit the fin fairing, which turned into a more involved project than I anticipated, especially when I realized that the lineup would influence the handling of Osp. If the fairing was misaligned, she'd tend to yaw one way or another. Sure, I can fix it via the rudder trim tab, but, y'know.

Snap a chalk line from the pylon to the fin leading edge, then rivet the fairing mounting bracket.

I had been guessing where the fairing should go, finally I realized there was no exact measurements, let the parts tell me, and roughly outlined how much to be trimmed with blue tape.

 

 

 

I kept trying to sand the inside of the fairing by hand but it was so rough and there was so much to remove there was no way I was going to do it by hand. Great idea from the internet, a drum sander from Harbor Freight Aircraft Supply and an extender wand made quick work. Had to be VERY careful though, I nearly went through the side a couple times. 

I kept trying to make a perfect fit, but after examining other builders and thinking about it, I realized a perfect fit meant having a gap for flexibility. Once I realized that I put the ultra-fine Dremel sanding disc away, got the ultra-fine chainsaw out, and carefully made her fit.

 

Fairing fitted, I was able to mount and trim the stab brackets. They've since been powder coated white and look beautiful.