lower wing to fuse bushings + idler

Quick update for today. I mixed some gray epoxy paint and painted my new idler:

I used the remaning paint to paint the lower wing bushing that I needed to replace. This closes the loop on a long head scratching exercise (see post here).

Next step is to install new KP4 bearings in my new idler and begin the reassembly of the pitch control system!

Lower wing attachment #2

Just a quick update today: I cutted off the bushing to final dimensions. It's now ready for primer and paint!

PS: yes I will use a longer bolt!

Lower wing attachment

Over the last month, I went to AirVenture for the first time and I moved right after my return so I had no time left for the Pitts but now I'm back into it!

Last couple of days I worked on an issue my friend François (who won the Canadian Nationals in intermediate last week!) snagged on my airframe: an elongated hole on one of the lower wing attachment point on the fuselage:

 

 

On this view, the hole elongation is clearly visible (about 1/16th play!):

At the begining I really didn't know what to do, but I called my other friend, Mark the welder and he told me it was possible to weld a new bushing. First I fitted my LH lower wing with the great help of Marc-Antoine (my partner on the Citabria) in order to locate the required position of the bolt. Then I had to make myself a little jig with a piece of aluminium to ensure I mark where I wanted the bolt to be aligned:

Then I grinded off the old bushing using my dremel with a cutting disc:

Next step was to enlarge the hole to the OD of the bushing and remove the paint on the forward lug of the bracket:

Then I called Mark and asked him to come over and weld the new bushing in place. We placed fiberglass cloth as well as wet cloth to protect the fabric from the heat:

Then Mark used his magic and welded the new bushing in place:

Next step will be to grind off the bushing flush on the aft end and a little shorter on the forward end. Then I'll have to prime and paint... Stay tuned!