Elevator counterweights

Today I torqued up the elevator counterweight bolts and used JB Weld to secure the nuts in place. This would allow me to remove the bolts (only one at a time), if necessary in the future. The problem with the original design is that the nuts are inaccessible under the elevator fairing which will be riveted into place. By gluing the nuts onto the lead weights, the bolts can be removed and reinstalled, and hopefully fully torqued, without needing to remove the fiberglass fairing.

Right elevator, showing the onboard counterweight, and the bolt heads that will be visible

Right elevator, outboard counterweight. This will eventually be covered by a fiberglass fairing. I may seal up the edges of the weight here to prevent any water from seeping through

Left elevator with JB Weld applied to glue the self locking nut and washer into place. I smeared Boelube on the bolt threads before applying the glue in case any got onto the threads

Left elevator tip. This whole area is covered with a fairing