Loosing the vertical stabilizer doesn't sound like much fun, so the owner of this Cardinal was more than eager for a repair.

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During the annual inspection, the forward attach points for the vertical stabilizer were found cracked out.  The tail was removed, aft lower fuselage skin removed and the bulkhead removed for replacement.

The new upper half of the bulkhead was set into position, along with a doubler that Cessna has added on later models.  Cessna has also approved this doubler for installation on the earlier 177's.

After assuring line up, the new parts were drilled up, de-burred and riveted into place.

Aft lower skin reinstalled, paint touched up and surfaces reinstalled and rigged.