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-   -   Missing Rivets (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=145665)

DonFromTX 01-15-2017 08:16 PM

I have been unable to determine why I would have left them out, makes me want to go back to the instructions to see if maybe I followed the them and have forgotten something that is supposed to be riveted in there..

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottmillhouse (Post 1142094)
Those exact same two rivets were also missing on our previous 12 that we bought flying. When adding the ADSB antenna noticed a little movement from my weight, otherwise would never have noticed.


Tony_T 01-15-2017 08:39 PM

Don, Looks like they all should have been riveted at the same time...


ScottSchmidt 01-16-2017 06:45 AM

I could be wrong, but I think they sheer.
 
I don't think any of you missed them, I believe they sheared after they were installed.
The fact that there are so many of you missing the exact same two rivets is interesting.

I remember missing those rivets on an annual once as well. When I replaced them, I put some pressure on that piece and they immediately sheared, had to replace them again.

Keep an eye on those and see if they are missing again.

rvbuilder2002 01-16-2017 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottSchmidt (Post 1142176)
I don't think any of you missed them, I believe they sheared after they were installed.
The fact that there are so many of you missing the exact same two rivets is interesting.

I remember missing those rivets on an annual once as well. When I replaced them, I put some pressure on that piece and they immediately sheared, had to replace them again.

Keep an eye on those and see if they are missing again.

The airplane that is the subject of this thread hasn't had its first flight yet, so not likely the problem.

rongawer 01-16-2017 01:52 PM

Empathy
 
Don, I feel your pain man. I actually have a checklist now, where I go back through each step of the instruction page just completed and review every item again. It's amazing how many little mistakes I find.

I would guess you're right, that it's mostly externally induced, such as the phone rings, or my beloved brings me a sandwich (or worse, a glass of wine - which really puts a kibosh on the whole thing).

But this is what makes it an amateur build; enjoying the journey and not really being concerned with how long it takes per step.

DonFromTX 01-16-2017 02:10 PM

The first time I read your post, I thought you were way off base. Now i am thinking you may be spot on to the problem. I and my heavy son spent far more time back at that area than most and may well have sheared them off. Regardless the next time a 12 owner opens up the tailcone, it would pay to look down at that area.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottSchmidt (Post 1142176)
I don't think any of you missed them, I believe they sheared after they were installed.
The fact that there are so many of you missing the exact same two rivets is interesting.

I remember missing those rivets on an annual once as well. When I replaced them, I put some pressure on that piece and they immediately sheared, had to replace them again.

Keep an eye on those and see if they are missing again.


ScottSchmidt 01-16-2017 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvbuilder2002 (Post 1142306)
The airplane that is the subject of this thread hasn't had its first flight yet, so not likely the problem.

I don't think they sheer in flight, I would guess it happens when climbing in the back, possibly supported on the tail adding to the stress on the bulkheads.
Easy to test.

rvbuilder2002 01-16-2017 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottSchmidt (Post 1142442)
I don't think they sheer in flight, I would guess it happens when climbing in the back, possibly supported on the tail adding to the stress on the bulkheads.
Easy to test.

Ok, I understand what you mean now, but of all of the people (3 or 4) who mentioned finding missing rivets after the build, only one mentioned that they were specifically these two rivets.

Mich48041 01-17-2017 07:37 AM

If rivets sheered off, it would seem that there would be some evidence like part of a rivet left in a hole or broken rivets laying on the bottom of the tail cone. And the sheet metal might have some damage.

scottmillhouse 01-17-2017 12:41 PM

The missing rivets I mentioned on our purchased 12 were clearly skipped. No evidence of sheared rivets or any work around them. I recall I even had to match drill the holes. Even with my 180# load there was only a little movement and never enough to shear rivets. It would take some serious loads to shear them that probably would distort the ribs in the process.


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