Question How to remove tail cap

Hey Patrick,
OOPs I assumed something.
It may be glued; I don't know.
But it looks like you won't be able to get the cap off unless you raise it straight up, and to do that you'll have to remove the rudder.
Removing the rudder isn't very difficult.
Perhaps you'll see a screw or two that's accessible after you get the rudder out of the way.

Sorry I don't have better advice on this one.

Please let me know what you find.
Bummer about the missing half; we rarely have to do anything to those antennass.

Steve

Thanks Steve,

The top of the tail. Tail cap. I don’t see any rivets appearing anywhere? That’s what’s interesting. My A&P thought it might be glued? Picture is attached..

My Nav antenna took a bird or something. Right side is broken off.

Should be a quick fix, if I can figure out the tail cap..

Thanks though..

Hi Patrick,

No screws? Then the removal will require rivet removal.

If the rivets are solid rivets, removal is done using the correct size drill bit--#40 for 3/32 inch rivets or #30 for 1/8 inch rivets.

Each rivet head has a small dimple, drill down into the rivet keeping the drill bit centered. Once the bit is past the thickness of the head, use a small chisel to remove the head. Remove the heads of all the rivets are off, the vertical stab cap can be removed. 

If the rivets are pull type rivets, the stems will have to be removed, using a pin punch. Then the heads can be safely drilled off and the cap removed.

If you haven't done this before, I strongly recommend that you get some coaching from an experienced A & P. These structures, while strong are pretty susceptible to damage. The correct technique using the correct tools is critical for success.

Question--why do you need to change your VOR antenna??

Thanks,
Steve 

Does anyone know how to remove the cap on top of tail?  I need to replace my Nav antenna.  No screws…

1980 Archer II