[Patrick Dunn]

Patrick Dunn on December 4, 2023 at 7:45 am #22323

Hello Jamie,

I also thought the same thing. But there is really no impression for screws, etc that have been covered with filler? Also, I would not think there would be a reason to cover with filler.. older piper 180 tail caps are attached with screws.

The top of rudder is attached with screws. The rudder cap will allow for room to remove the tail cap without rudder removal.

My thought now is to possibly test with a heat gun to loosen glue? A bit nervous about heating 40yr old plastic.

Tks, Pat

[Jamie Szendrey]

Jamie Szendrey on December 2, 2023 at 4:43 pm #22321

If you look close you can see what looks like filler over where the screw holes probably are. There’s no way that should be glued on. If it came loose in flight it could cause control problems. I also doubt very much that it’s riveted, that would be a first for me. But, I’ve seen stranger things.

[STEVE]

STEVE on November 10, 2023 at 10:57 am #22298

Hey Patrick,
OOPs I assumed something.
It may be glued; I don’t know.
But it looks like you won’t be able to get the cap off unless you raise it straight up, and to do that you’ll have to remove the rudder.
Removing the rudder isn’t very difficult.
Perhaps you’ll see a screw or two that’s accessible after you get the rudder out of the way.

Sorry I don’t have better advice on this one.

Please let me know what you find.
Bummer about the missing half; we rarely have to do anything to those antennass.

Steve

[Patrick Dunn]

Patrick Dunn on November 10, 2023 at 10:35 am #22297

Thanks Steve,

The top of the tail. Tail cap. I don’t see any rivets appearing anywhere? That’s what’s interesting. My A&P thought it might be glued? Picture is attached..

My Nav antenna took a bird or something. Right side is broken off.

Should be a quick fix, if I can figure out the tail cap..

Thanks though..

[STEVE]

STEVE on November 10, 2023 at 9:55 am #22296

Hi Patrick,

No screws? Then the removal will require rivet removal.

If the rivets are solid rivets, removal is done using the correct size drill bit–#40 for 3/32 inch rivets or #30 for 1/8 inch rivets.

Each rivet head has a small dimple, drill down into the rivet keeping the drill bit centered. Once the bit is past the thickness of the head, use a small chisel to remove the head. Remove the heads of all the rivets are off, the vertical stab cap can be removed. 

If the rivets are pull type rivets, the stems will have to be removed, using a pin punch. Then the heads can be safely drilled off and the cap removed.

If you haven’t done this before, I strongly recommend that you get some coaching from an experienced A & P. These structures, while strong are pretty susceptible to damage. The correct technique using the correct tools is critical for success.

Question–why do you need to change your VOR antenna??

Thanks,
Steve 

[Patrick Dunn]

Patrick Dunn on November 9, 2023 at 6:04 am #22295

Does anyone know how to remove the cap on top of tail?  I need to replace my Nav antenna.  No screws…

1980 Archer II

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