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-   -   Elevator dent...fixable or scrap pile? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=93468)

airguy 11-25-2012 07:43 PM

Leave it for now.

Before you hang the engine, you'll have a half-dozen of these. Some you'll fix, some you'll let the painter fix. Now is not the time for panic, just mark it for future evaluation after you've learned more about the building process, and re-evaluate it before first flight.

For now, build on.

KatieB 11-26-2012 06:34 AM

I did the same thing while riveting rudder stiffeners, but the skin cracked where the backrivet set hit it. .016 is even more delicate. I scrapped mine and made a new one.

If the rivet hole is deformed at all, it will be a great place for a future crack to grow. A piece remade is not wasted-it's just more practice.

Dave12 11-26-2012 02:06 PM

This story goes back 20-30 years, but a local Cessna Dealer called to order a new 310 and wanted it bare aluminum. After some conversation with the shop, the Cessna Rep called the dealer back and informed him that a bare skinned 310 will run about 12k more for obvious reasons. I doubt that your little booger would cause a big problem at Cessna.

N690RV's Dad 11-26-2012 03:44 PM

Hard to tell from the glare in the picture, but if there is a crease in it, then it may be a good place for a crack to start.

CMBAero 11-27-2012 06:56 PM

Little update...more pics!
 
Thanks for all the replies...

As requested, here are some new pictures of the damage... I tried my best, but I think they are good enough so that you can see that the affected area had the rivet location pops out a little and then beside the dent from the back rivet plate...

So the best that can be achieved with filler is hide the dent but the rivet location siting higher will stay...

Please give me your advice on this situation..? Structurally safe or not?

I already got the confirmation from Van's that a new skin do fit in my fuselage crate that is leaving soon... It will probably be my choice right now because I might not build a perfect plane, but at least, I'll try to get as close as possible...

Question is, I will drill out all the rivets than go on the spar, so that I can re-use my spar, but...
Are the holes on the pre-punched Elevator skin consistent enough so that I only need to replace the stringers that are riveted on the skin and use the bottom ones that I have not riveted yet for the new skin?


Thanks!







CMBAero 11-28-2012 04:33 PM

Buuumpppp!!!

CMBAero 11-29-2012 03:08 PM

Bump of the day!? Anyone?

DaAV8R 11-29-2012 03:14 PM

.........................
 
Check your PM's


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