Rookie Question: Type/Size of Rivet for VS Hinge Assembly

[Hairball192]

Hi,

I'm a new builder with a stupid question... What size and type of rivet should I use for the vertical stabilizer upper and lower hinge assemblies?

More importantly, how do I figure this out from the plans?

This is the very first assembly in the empenage kit and I'm already stuck. This could be a long 900 hrs!

Thanks in advance,
Harry

[KALEWIS]

All hardware is called out in the plans. Read section 5 of the plans to understand terminology. Rivets are called out in the plans by the rivet ID such as "LP-4-3 12 places" and usually has an arrow pointing to the area being referenced. Reading section 5 is very important along with the other book that came with the kit. I think it's called aircraft hardware and construction or something similar. It's a paperback book.

[Gagarin737]

This could be 900 hrs off fun! (probably more and not always ;-) )

Page 06-02 figure 3 calls for AN470AD4-7 rivets

Read chapter 5, some airplane construction books or try to find help for the first steps. Enjoy it!

Btw I messed up two hinge sets and a vertical stab spar on the first day ;-)

Rivets explanation

[rgmwa]

Might be worth assembling the Vans toolbox or practice kit before tackling the real thing. It's a good way to learn how to read the plans, prep parts, set rivets etc.

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by rgmwa

Might be worth assembling the Vans toolbox or practice kit before tackling the real thing. It's a good way to learn how to read the plans, prep parts, set rivets etc.

Very good advice, this.

Parts that you plan to install on your airplane should not be used for learning a process. Doing so induces a high probability of a lot of replacement parts being purchased.

In simple terms, if you pick up a tool to do a process that you have not done previously (and become somewhat skilled at doing it), you should be doing that process on something else first for practice.

I also echo reading Chapter 5.... multiple times. Particularly the first 10 pages with the point you are at in your build.
If after reading through it a few times and doing a bit of practicing on something other than your kit parts, you aren't clear about something, ask questions.

[RFSchaller]

I took the RV construction weekend course from EAA to learn some basics on riveting. I highly recommend it!

[DHeal]

Check your PM.

[LittleJoeA]

Harry,

Check out my previous Post, "Improvements to the Avery Rivet Squeezer".

This may help with setting the solid rivets.

Feel free to stop by my Hanger in Livermore and see my project.

See PM for contact information.

Joe

[BigJohn]

Harry,

Sounds like you are getting some good offers for hands-on help. I encourage you to hook up with these guys and any other experienced builders you can find in your area (EAA chapter maybe) and accept some mentoring. And take the suggestion to do some practicing on scrap, or build the toolbox project. This applies not only to riveting, but to each new skill you will need to learn. You will be amazed at how each task that looks insurmountable will become routine as you progress in learning and practicing your newfound skills.

John

[Mike S]

Originally Posted by Hairball192

Hi,

I'm a new builder -------------------

Harry

Harry, welcome aboard the good ship VAF