How to & Builder Tips

Ever wonder how to make a certain part with fiberglass or sheet metal? Or fix an oil leak? These tips can guide you and reduce the amount of head-scratching.

Nutplate Jig

Submitted by Don Jessup. Don't delay—make yourself a metal template to drill all the holes you will make for nutplates. About 1" x 2" seems...
Finished GlaStar cowl. Photo: Dustin Paulson

GlaStar Cowling Installation Tips

Cowling installation: The Lycoming cowling instructions say that you need to have the prop and spinner installed before you attempt to install the cowling....
O-360, fixed pitch, Van's induction system and baffling. Photo: Martin Baumer

GlaStar Baffling Tips

Baffling: I used the Vans's RV-6 intake, carb air box, and baffling. I find them to work well and efficiently. I did have a...
GlaStar aileron construction

GlaStar and Sportsman Aileron Construction Tips

Fitting the aileron skin: In fitting the aileron skin, after clecoing the lower skin surface to the aft ribs, it is easier to turn...
GlaStar flap under construction

GlaStar and Sportsman Flap Construction Tips

Flap track guide hints: Rivet the flap track guide arms and reinforcement angles to rib pairs A & C and the Deployment arms (pair...
Workbench

Building a Workbench & Wing Jig

Here are a few tips on building a suitable workbench and wing jig for the GlaStar and Sportsman submitted by our members. Workbench from the wing...

Engine Plumbing

Many of you may not be familiar with proper engine plumbing techniques. The beauty of home-building is to do it your own way, reducing...
Sportsman window installed with Silpruf. Photo: Randi Ernst.

GlaStar and Sportsman Window Installation

Mask off the front and back of the window to approx. 1.5" of the edge. (Blue 3M 2" tape) Trim perimeter of window to fit...
Additional inspection cover for GlaStar aux fuel tank fitting

GlaStar Auxiliary Fuel Tank Tips

Extra inspection hole: I installed an extra inspection hole, located at the connection of aux tank to fuel line. I obtained the parts (doubler...
Inspection hole for aux. tank fittings

Adding Inspection Holes to the GlaStar or Sportsman Wing

Cutting inspection plate holes: Here is one way to cut (perhaps scribe is a better choice of words) a nice inspection circle in your...