Twisted elevator or stabilizer on Super cub? Help!

[Spida4930]

I noticed that on my super cub that the elevators are not even on both sides while in neutral still position. I am trying to figure out what is bent. I checked where the elevators bolt together and everything looks fine there yet. The right elevator is the one that is lower. Any info would be appreciated on what to do to find out what is bent. I also placed a straight edge on stabilizer and on elevator. When everything is flush the elevators are centered in accordance with the corresponding stabilizer if that makes any sense.

[Kid Durango]

I had that on my Stinson, which had been repaired. Seemed it was the elevator was warped slightly. Sorry I can’t help with the best way to check it. I would lean towards using a laser level though.

[dgapilot]

Normally addressed before cover, not sure if you can bend things to line up after it's covered.

[Farmer Hank]

In about 1970 when I was in the Navy, I bought a new Maule and went to Moultrie, Georgia, to pick it up. Before B.D. Maule gave me a demo ride (off the ramp!), I pointed out to him that the elevators didn’t line up with the stabilizers equally. He grabbed the right stabilizer and bent it until both sides were even!

[stewartb]

Twisted or not indexed properly? It looks like the latter.

[ak49flyer]

Tons of them flying around up here that way. Either bend it straight or run it and forget about it.

[TurboBeaver]

Pretty standard right after you bump the tail into a frozen snow bank
P.S. Standard bush fix: Is cut a 2x4 the right length, to fit under the horizontal rear tube and hanger floor, THEN bent the elevator to match up..........
Good Luck
E

[aktango58]

Pretty standard right after you bump the tail into a frozen snow bank

Those are the days Mom forgot to tell us about.

[supercrow]

In most cases I have had good results with a heat gun (carefully) to remove any fabric wrinkles you end up with.

[Spida4930]

Thanks for the input guys. I assumed that the correct way to fix it was to persuade it back into where it should be.

[skywagon8a]

Thanks for the input guys. I assumed that the correct way to fix it was to persuade it back into where it should be.

Before you start persuading it, check the stabilizers for alignment. It could be a little of both elevators and stabilizer.

[behindpropellers]

I really dislike the idea of trying to twist and force it. Who knows how much corrosion in in your elevators and horizontal stab that may yield when you are twisting. I have seen the same on several cubs. I wonder if the jig is incorrect somewhere that aligns the horn with the elevator.

Tim

[skywagon8a]

Who knows how much corrosion in in your elevators and horizontal stab that may yield when you are twisting.

Wouldn't now be a good time to find any corrosion? ................... on the ground!

[behindpropellers]

Wouldn't now be a good time to find any corrosion? ................... on the ground!

I was thinking the opposite...they bend and break it and do not find it until something bad happens...

[cubdriver2]

I was thinking the opposite...they bend and break it and do not find it until something bad happens...

That's why they give you 2 of them ;- )

Glenn

[skywagon8a]

I was thinking the opposite...they bend and break it and do not find it until something bad happens...

I hear you. However, when in the process of twisting, the person doing the twisting ought to be able to feel a weak tube fracturing. The level of the resistance should be felt.

[Steve Pierce]

From memory there have been a few threads on the same subject over the years. My Dad built Kitfox and noticed the same thing. They told him it was suppose to be that way to put opposing positive pressure on the elevators. We rivet a small bulb section cut off a bulbed angle to each side of the Hawker SeaFury when we put the R3350 engine on it. Nelson told me it kept the rudder from hunting. I have seen plenty of Cubs this way and they flew just fine.

[DENNY]

If it flys fine it might be best left alone (the enemy of good is better). Depending on pilots sill level the plane may need a major recover in the next few years and it can be fixed at that time. At least that is what my IA said to me when I wanted to to fix some paint issues on my plane!
DENNY