Vans RV7 Build Diary - GAPilot

Fitting the Matco park brake.

The Matco park brake is available as an option from the Vans catalogue.

I have fitted the park brake on the firewall - low down - this is to ensure I can see it to service and check for leaks. I have seen some located higher up which would make it harder to maintain. Since fitting and testing the valve I have found it difficult to seal properly. I know another builder has similar problems with the brake servo.

Test Flight with Bob Cole at the controls

I decided to mount the Matco PV-1 valve on bracket, the metal is left from making C-697 (dwg 47).

I fitted my parking brake above the firewall exit. Positioning the valve here allows the use of the original brake flexable hoses, rather than having new shorter ones made up. When you are thinking about fitting parts like this to your kit planning carefully can help save cost. This is a good example, I already had the flexable brake pipes and they are expensive. So I have avoided buying new ones for the sake of careful valve positioning.

The position viewed from inside the fuse.

The AN angle fittings are a tight fit, but they will go on!.
UPDATE: These have caused problems with them leeking. i had to remove these angle fittings and reseal.


Home Page Build Diary 2004 Build Diary 2005 Build Diary 2006 Construction Index Tools Required to Build Here I am having just completed the first engine run. Wings on about to roll out of the hanger for first engine start. The way to fit split pins properly - Aviation Standards!! Roberts RV6, we stop for fuel on the way to the RV fly-in at Colmar. First Test flight of G-OVII my RV7 carried out by Bob Cole at Thruxton on 18th November 2006.	Fitting the Matco park brake. The Matco park brake is available as an option from the Vans catalogue. I have fitted the park brake on the firewall - low down - this is to ensure I can see it to service and check for leaks. I have seen some located higher up which would make it harder to maintain. Since fitting and testing the valve I have found it difficult to seal properly. I know another builder has similar problems with the brake servo. I decided to mount the Matco PV-1 valve on bracket, the metal is left from making C-697 (dwg 47). I fitted my parking brake above the firewall exit. Positioning the valve here allows the use of the original brake flexable hoses, rather than having new shorter ones made up. When you are thinking about fitting parts like this to your kit planning carefully can help save cost. This is a good example, I already had the flexable brake pipes and they are expensive. So I have avoided buying new ones for the sake of careful valve positioning. The position viewed from inside the fuse. The AN angle fittings are a tight fit, but they will go on!. UPDATE: These have caused problems with them leeking. i had to remove these angle fittings and reseal.
	While the valve is behind the pedals it can be seen and inspected. The layout on the firewall. The control cable needs to be firmly clamped. I have made the cable clamp bracket to also act as a stop for the brake arm - this will avoid an over centre situation. ..
	Here I have used part of the cable clamp bracket to act as the stop for valve lever. Note: the SS wire it just temporary, a proper split pin should be fitted. Here are some general pictures of the Superior engine. I have drilled some holes in the bracket to reduce weight - not much! Placing the whole assembly on a bracket fitted to the fire wall will allow easy removal if it needs to be modified. Fitted to firewall.