Capstrip confusion

[JHawkins]

Hiya everyone!

I'm progressing through the first wing build on my EX-2 kit. Just received it a few weeks ago....

I've come up to the Rib #1 and Rib #2 (standard range) capstrip installation and am a bit confused. The online manual calls for a SC31054-007 for rib #1 and an SC31054-009 for the #2 rib tops. I don't have either of those parts, nor the -008 and -010 for the right wing. They're not listed on the inventory sheet either, so not backordered. These instructions don't seem to exclude the EX-2 standard range. In fact, it specifies the #2 rib instead of the #3 used in the Ext range.

How many total capstrips should be installed in each wing? I would assume 6, as there are three double ribs.

What I do have is SC31054-005, -003 and -001. Seems the printed manual has me putting the -005 and -003 on the #1 rib, nothing for #2 rib, and only a cap on TOP of the #5 rib. My kit includeds 6 total capstrips, 3 for each wing

I suppose my question is this - Which is most current / desirable? I've been operating under the assumption that the printed manual is potentially less up-to-date than the online. It's certainly MUCH different. For example, the printed manual only called for 2 total double ribs, and my kit included parts for 3.

Asking here because factory support has been quite slow to respond to email, if they respond at all. Haven't been able to get anyone on the phone.


Thanks!!!

Justin

[VNrotorhead]

I’m certainly no expert as I’m a first-time builder (EX-3), but I’m a little further along on my wing. If you have standard tanks you should have three capstrips on each wing. Top and bottom on the first rib, and top on the second. The two top capstrips should be fairly easy to identify as they will have nutplates already installed (at least mine did) or will have been predrilled for nutplates. You will eventually attach the fuel tank cover using the nutplates. The third capstrip shouldn’t have nutplates. The top capstrip on the number one rib will be much wider than the top capstrip that goes on the second rib. I have no idea why the different part numbers as I’m going by Rev B, which is the most current revision for the wing, and I also see -007 and -009 called out and that is what I have on my wall for the build of my right wing.

Hope that helps. Like you, I’ve never had anyone answer the Kit Support Help Desk phone. I usually get a response if I email them, although if I get one, it is usually very delayed. I have found Pete Dougherty to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Unfortunately I think he is handling many, many tasks for the company and is spread pretty thin.

I’m not a lawyer and don’t identify as one, SO the information I’m sending is my interpretation of the manual and may, like I’ve found on several occasions in my build, BE WRONG.

[aeroaddict]

I built an EX-2, with extended range, about 3 years ago and still have the build manuals. I find your part numbers in my manuals for the SC31054 cap strips on ribs 1,3 & 5. No nut plates were pre-installed on my strips.

I find it surprising that the part numbers would be that different for the cap strips regardless of the fuel tank configurations.

Sorry, not much help.

[JHawkins]

Thanks for those responses, that is helpful -

The part numbers I have do match the printed build manual, but not the online version. It seems like they improved it by adding capstrips, but my kit didn't get them. Maybe it's in the pipeline. I suppose that's speculation. Also possible that the other part numbers are for the EX-3 and the pdf manual is erroneous.


No nutplates in either of my upper capstrips, and not pre-drilled for them either.

[Daveembry]

I’ve never built one with standard tanks so I’m just going from memory. If I recall there is no fuel cover for the standard tanks right? The fabric just goes up and around the filler neck. The capstrip on the top of 1 and 3 with nut plates are for the fuel tank covers on the extended fuel (2 tanks) to attach to. The top cap strip on 1 is different in that it has a slot or channel for the skylight and turtle deck to sit in.

So I would think there are no nut plates used. So I imagine you would need capstrip for too and bottom of #1, and top of #5. I’m not sure if you would still have one on #3 without installing the nut plates (it doesn’t come with nut plates).

Again I’m just going from memory as I have never used standard tanks and don’t have a current EX2 manual.

Thanks for those responses, that is helpful -

The part numbers I have do match the printed build manual, but not the online version. It seems like they improved it by adding capstrips, but my kit didn't get them. Maybe it's in the pipeline. I suppose that's speculation. Also possible that the other part numbers are for the EX-3 and the pdf manual is erroneous.


No nutplates in either of my upper capstrips, and not pre-drilled for them either.

[JHawkins]

I’ve never built one with standard tanks so I’m just going from memory. If I recall there is no fuel cover for the standard tanks right?

Well that could explain things. It's not mentioned at all in the latest manual (though I haven't checked the covering manual. In fact, to the contrary, it discusses standard range instructions using the numbers I don't have. Maybe that's only EX-3? Maybe an error?


I'll never understand why they use one manual for all the models and configuration. Sure would make the build a lot more straight forward.

Do I use the printed manual, the electronic one, or a mix? Doesn't seem to be a correct answer.

[Daveembry]

Normally you would use the Dropbox manual if it’s different. The revision number would tell you for sure. If the Dropbox manual is different from the printed one, it’s probably the latest revision.

Sorry but I just don’t have EX2 manuals to see what you are referring to but as far as the capstrips go, I don’t believe there is any difference between the 2 as far as using them or not.

Im pretty sure standard tanks have no tank covers and the fabric just goes all the way across the top and the filler neck is just cut out so no need for any nutplates in any capstrip.

I’m surprised Pete hasn’t responded to this post. He responded earlier to another one. Best to email him and get in the “que”. Might take a couple days to work down to your email as I think he answers in the order they come in.

Also check out the Facebook group Carbon Cub EX Builders. We have over 500 members, many of whom are building an EX2 and will normally respond quickly to your questions. It’s a private group and only is builders or wanta be builders in there. Pete and other CC people are in there as well.

Well that could explain things. It's not mentioned at all in the latest manual (though I haven't checked the covering manual. In fact, to the contrary, it discusses standard range instructions using the numbers I don't have. Maybe that's only EX-3? Maybe an error?


I'll never understand why they use one manual for all the models and configuration. Sure would make the build a lot more straight forward.

Do I use the printed manual, the electronic one, or a mix? Doesn't seem to be a correct answer.

[aeroaddict]

There is a difference in build between the standard and extended range.

Unfortunately I only have the extended range manual,

Good advice from Dave, might check out the FB page.

Let us know the results.

Cheers

[Daveembry]

well I dug out my old EX2 manuals and sure enough, there are 2 manuals. 1 for Standard Fuel and 1 for Extended fuel.

53B207AE-A422-4756-BAAA-72EF8D4711ED.jpg

So maybe you have the extended version? Of course, these are old manuals and probably updated now. Looks like the standard fuel has capstrip on #5 and 1 but not 3.

There is a difference in build between the standard and extended range.

Unfortunately I only have the extended range manual,

Good advice from Dave, might check out the FB page.

Let us know the results.

Cheers

[aeroaddict]

Yes, for me, extended range.

Cap strips on 1,3 & 5. 1 & 3 and z channels with nut plates to accept the fuel tanks covers.

It was a tricky area if I recall as things need to get lined up perfectly to accept the covers.

Just an FYI point. The covers are very heavy as you know. I asked CC if I can make them out of fiberglass or carbon to keep the weight down (I'm a weight freak, but only on the plane ), but was told that the aluminum covers actually provide some of the rigidity for the wing.