driscoll

When assembling a new arf it is good to check the entire plane over. The things you mentioned are good ideas and I would recommend doing them as with all arfs.

Here are a few other things to look over.

1, firewall (check the overall structural design, glue in triangle stock in every corner of it if it already doesn't have it. It's worth it.

2, Landing gear block ( if you can get at it glue triangle stock around it as well

3, hinges ( if they are not already installed, inspect the hinges and replace them with good dubro or robart hinges and pin them. Avoid CA hinges and install an extra hinge for each surface. Make sure they are all straight when you glue them in.

4, Wing Blocks - Look them over as well and pin them to the fuse sides and add triangle stock .

5, Clevises - Make absolutely sure they are good quality. Do no skimp on these. Alot of arf hardware is questionable and should usually be upgraded with dubro hardware.

6, control rods - I always use 4-40 rods with all my planes and sullivan clevises..

I know this sounds like alot but I just named you the important things on making your arf very durable and trouble free.
Doing these things add a very minimal amount of weight and will give you more piece of mind when your performing a blender or any other more violent maneuvers.

Have Fun