N184JP Build Log – RV-8A to 8 initial changes needed

Well this is post number one on this adventure.

The first thing I will be doing  is converting a partially finished RV-8A (tricycle gear) to a conventional gear arrangement (i.e. taildragger) also know as the RV-8.  A lot of people on the forums cautioned and wondered if this was even feasible.  Yes it is in my case.  Here’s why:

1. I bought the project at just the right point to make the conversion relatively easy, albeit drilling out about 100 rivets and replace a few skins.
2. None of the 8A gear [tower] structure had been added
3. The replacement parts vs. the resale value of the parts on hand (all new: legs, towers, engine mount, front wheel/tire) will just about balance each other out even considering the discounting for second hand parts on the forums.

That said, let me thank Ken Krueger at Vans for his awesome efforts to help me.  We spoke at Oshkosh and he suggested I consider basically removing everything forward of the spar and reconstructing with new RV-8 side & bottom skins plus the gear towers and re-installing.  “Wow”, I thought.  That was more than I guessed I’d have to do ( just add gear towers).  But in reality it isn’t that big of a deal.  Just sounded a bit daunting.

Mainly that is because the previous owner had several people like me had mentioned they might consider changing his project from an 8A to 8, so he stopped at a good spot without adding too many more rivets than needed.  For example he had not installed the top forward skin making the tower install relatively simple for me.

Bottom line: Ken went through the drawings using my photos and sent me a good sized parts list.  What a dude!  But now that I’m into it (again watch the coming video), I see his wisdom.  Thanks Ken!

Basically here’s what needs to happen

1. I will remove & replace the forward side skins (L&R) and bottom skin.
2. I am replacing the bottom angle (L & R)
3. Bench build towers
4. Install towers
5. Install main gear/wheels
6. Install tailwheel weldment and assembly (wheel, spring tube, etc.)

Once this is finished things should move along at a good clip (again watch the videos to see where I am starting).