Section 6: Installing The Tail - Hangar 9 J-3 Piper Cub Assembly Manual

Section 6: Installing The Tail

Parts Needed
Fuselage and wing from Section 5
Horizontal stabilizer with elevators
Vertical stabilizer with rudder
1. Hinge the horizontal stabilizer and elevators using the
same techniques as in Section 1, Hinging The Ailerons.
Be sure to apply thin CA to both sides of the hinge. After
the hinges are dry, check that they are securely in place by
trying to pull the elevator from the horizontal stabilizer.
Note: Do not glue the hinges into the vertical
stabilizer/rudder at this time.
2. On the rear of the fuselage, slots are pre-cut in the wood
structure for the horizontal and vertical stabilizers. The
covering, however, must be carefully cut away. Using a
hobby knife with a sharp #11 blade, carefully cut away the
covering at the openings for the horizontal stabilizer.
Tools And Adhesives Needed
Instant thin CA glue
CA remover/debonder
30 minute epoxy
Hobby knife with #11 blade
3. Using a razor saw, carefully cut out the area rearward of
the horizontal stabilizer slots in the fuselage and extend
the slots to the rear of the fuselage.
4. Hold up the horizontal stabilizer to a strong light and note
the cut-out notch on the leading edge of the stabilizer.
The vertical fin keys into this notch when the tail is
assembled. Using a hobby knife, carefully trim the
covering from this notch.
5. Using a hobby knife, trim the covering on the top rear of
the fuselage where the vertical fin inserts into the fuselage.
Razor saw
Straight edge
Pencil
Masking Tape
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