New Builder - Which Hardware Bags, Rivet Type???

[BradyB]

Hello Folks.
I'm looking forward to building my new 12is kit but feel a bit overwhelmed and somewhat discouraged right off the bat. I'm working on assembling the first part but I don't know which rivets to use. I may be missing something with Van's instructions but I was hoping each section would list the specific hardware & fasteners to use or at least list which hardware bag to use?! How am I supposed to know which rivet type and size to use when assembling parts? See the attached instruction screenshots.

I have the inventory list of course but how do I connect random bag numbers of random hardware to each build section?

Thank you in advance for your help!

[RayMc]

Send a message to Van's requesting PDF versions of the packing slips.
With these you can search part numbers and the result should show up on the packing slip with the bag part numbers.

[rocketman1988]

Typically, there is a parts list with each section of the kit. The first thing that is done is to inventory the kit to make sure everything is there. On the list, bags are broken down by parts contained in the bag.

As far as rivet callouts, the initial page you posted is the first page in the section, and it is typically an overview of the parts in the section. The following pages will detail the construction.

[wirejock]

Some builders prefer to keep bags and use a packing list as a reference.
Others prefer to inventory and separate into bottles, mini bind, storage totes, etc.
I fall into the latter. My inventory had a column for the location of every item down to rivets. It makes assembly much faster, but inventory will put a big hole in a day.

[Mike S]

Brady, welcome aboard the good ship VAF

[David Paule]

Strongly recommend buying several parts bin cabinets. You also need a labeler.

Label each bin, in alpha-numeric order, with a part number like AN3-5A. Then go through your hardware inventory list, where it lists the parts in each bag, and learn to identify the hardware and permanently move it from the bags to the bins.

All the manuals and plans list hardware by part number, not bag. Here it is in progress.



These are mine, complete. I think that the RV-12iS at the high school that I mentor will have about as many.



This will save you many frustrated hours.

Dave

[Ironflight]

A lot of good inventory storage answers from regular contributors here, but most of them aren’t -12 builders….and I think the first question the OP asked is most important. Although I haven’t built a -12, I know that the instructions are incredibly detailed and specific about almost every step - so I think the pictures the OP posted are of opening, overview drawings - once you get into the detailed instructions, it should call out the rivets specifically for almost every hole.

As for storing the parts, there is a religious argument that has been going on for generations over the issue of keeping things in the bags as Van’s sends them or sorting all “like” hardware into storage bins. For something like a -12, with very explicit instructions, I’d get into the project a ways before breaking up the bags, because Van’s instructions might actually reference bags…which would make that the easiest way to find stuff.

Paul

[BradyB]

Originally Posted by David Paule

This will save you many frustrated hours.

Dave

Thank you Dave and Everyone for the initial responses and welcomes!

I currently have the parts bags in parts drawers, I will have to separate them again by actual parts. I should have done this when I spent the day counting inventory!

I am still at a standstill though, how do know which rivets to use? For example, with Section 6, The Vertical Stab, I do not see a list of fasteners/hardware associated with that section. See the attached screenshot, I do see the bearing listed as "COM 3-5", but how do I know which rivets to use?

[azonic75]

Look where it says AN470- that is the rivet size and length.
I would strongly suggest you have a mentor help you get started. None of this is complicated but having someone get you off on the right foot will make your life much easier. Join the local EAA chapter, lots of people willing to make sure you get started and enjoy the building of a safe airplane!

[BradyB]

Okay, I figured it out... "AN470AD4-7" is a rivet! A B C Duh