VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics

  #1  
Old 12-10-2008, 08:19 PM
Mark7986 Mark7986 is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Fairmont MN
Posts: 41
Default Help!!! Riveting bottom skins

I'm ready to rivet the bottom wing skins on my RV7. I have clecoed the inboard skin on several times. I just can't figure out where to start or how to start. Any suggestion would be welcome. They say pictures are worth a 1000 word. If someone has a series of pics I would love to see them.


Mark Craven
Fairmont, MN
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-10-2008, 08:38 PM
N941WR's Avatar
N941WR N941WR is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SC
Posts: 12,887
Default

Start in the middle of the trailing edge of the inboard skin. Work towards each end of the skin and then down. We went down six to eight rivets on each rib. That way could still bend the skin up enough to rivet in place.

Here's a picture of when we first started one of my bottom skins:
__________________
Bill R.
RV-9 (Yes, it's a dragon tail)
O-360 w/ dual P-mags
Build the plane you want, not the plane others want you to build!
SC86 - Easley, SC
www.repucci.com/bill/baf.html
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12-11-2008, 10:00 AM
n2prise's Avatar
n2prise n2prise is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Palm Bay, FL
Posts: 420
Default Lower wing skin riveting

Look at this web page about half way down. Photos and text explain it. http://www.n2prise.org/rv9a014.htm
__________________
Jerry K. Thorne
Built in East Ridge, TN.
Now in Palm Bay, Florida
RV-9A - - N2PZ
www.n2prise.org
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-11-2008, 10:12 AM
alpinelakespilot2000 alpinelakespilot2000 is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,646
Default

What Bill said. Start at middle trailing edge of skin. Work diagonally both directions toward inboard and outboard leading edges. Not too tough. It takes some contortion, even with two people, but it's very doable. Good luck.
__________________
Steve M.
Ellensburg WA
RV-9 Flying, 0-320, Catto

Donation reminder: Jan. 2021
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12-11-2008, 10:39 AM
IowaRV9Dreamer's Avatar
IowaRV9Dreamer IowaRV9Dreamer is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Marion IA
Posts: 1,095
Default

I did the RV9 wings by myself - pretty easy. The wings were still in the stand mounted vertically and that helped a lot. I first did the whole trailing edge, then worked slowly up the ribs to the leading edge. By the end, you'll be figuring out as you go what to rivet when to preserve access. The last few rivets are bucked through the ends of the wings, and the access panels.

The -9 wing has less chord, so it may have been easier in some what though.
__________________
Dave Gribble VAF #232
Building RV-9A N149DG (slider, IO-320, IFR)
Restored and Flying Beech Super III N3698Q
Marion IA

Struggling with fiberglass

There is no sport equal to that which aviators enjoy while being carried through the air on great white wings." Wilbur Wright, 1905
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-11-2008, 03:01 PM
aparchment's Avatar
aparchment aparchment is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: South Hamilton, MA
Posts: 521
Default Wing Riveting

I did the 7 wings by myself. It was a pain, but definitely workable.

I started like the others said - at the trailing edge and worked my way up the ribs. I would work within a bay and do the ribs on each side of the bay, then move to another bay. Once I got within 5 or 6 rivets of the spar I switched to bucking through the lightening holes.

I also riveted with the wings in the vertical position. I don't think it is possible to reach otherwise if you are working singlehanded.
__________________
Antony
RV-7A
Empenage complete, wings complete, tip-up canopy complete, starting wiring ...

Last edited by aparchment : 12-13-2008 at 01:04 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12-12-2008, 04:50 PM
Mark7986 Mark7986 is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Fairmont MN
Posts: 41
Default Thanks

That gives me a better idea how to start. thanks for the help.

Mark
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:42 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.