Don't even consider removing those rivets. You might stuff up your spar. Much much bigger problem. I have the Avery rivet removal tool (which is an absolute gem) but I wouldn't do it even with that. Structurally the orientation of the rivets doesn't matter. You'll probably note that your ribs are a bit deformed in the area of the rivets but it doesn't matter. You'll know better next time.

Big sigh of relief
 

Here's Vans official answer. woohoo !


Rivets aren't smart enough to know which head is which, so we
make no differention about orientation. There are a few exceptions
to this, when we need a flush surface for something that comes
later, but these are noted in the plans.

You'll find this a lot easier to do on the bench rather than in the
jig.
Don't usually put the wing skeleton in the "jig" until the ribs and
spars are riveted together.

Forwarded by: "Support" <support>
Forwarded to: kens
Date forwarded: Mon, 19 Dec 2005 07:40:26 -0800
Date sent: Sun, 18 Dec 2005 10:36:31 -0500 (EST)
From: luc bedard <lucdbedard@yahoo.ca>
Subject: how badly did I screw up ???
To: