RV-10 #40237 - Wing Construction - (16) Top Wing Skins

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After hanging the outer wing skins, I did not like how wavy they looked.  Also, I did not like the ugly lap joint between the inboard and outboard panels.  I moved on to completing the outboard wing leading edge, fuel tanks and ailerons, while I contemplated fabricating continuous top skins of the thicker 0.032” aluminum.  After completing the ailerons, I ordered two 4’ X 12’ sheets of 2024 T6 X 0.032” aluminum from Aircraft Spruce for $162 per sheet.

I then carefully overlaid the original top skins on both new sheets. Using a 3/32” drill, I drilled and Cleco’d every other hole. I think I used every Cleco I had. After drilling was complete, I then cut the sheets, then filed and polished the edges. I hung the skins on the wing top and commenced match drilling with a #40 bit. Everything after this was per plans.
    Click on picture for a larger view & narrative.
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© William W. Curtis 2004-2010
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