Vertical Stab Bracket

[Justin Lewis]

I was recently asked for a photo update of my vertical stabilizer bracket. Ultimately, I didn't like the idea of hammering on the steel in a vice and it's much too strong for a normal break. I got a little help from a machine shop which produced an outstanding result based on my templates. I've only done a little tweeking to get closer to perfection and I did have to heat and hammer the curve. I still have a bit more hammering to do but it's about ready to install. I'm away from my shop for a few days but I'll upload an image that can be used as a template when I get back.

The biggest issue I haven't solved yet is how I'm going to locate the lower bracket bolt through the airframe where the rivits are currently located. I may just accept an irregular shaped bolt hole but I'm concerned about a airframe crack in the longterm.