Baffles with Pulled Rivets?

[BD4Guy]

Is there any reason Van's baffle kit could not be assembled with pulled rivets?
Do the baffle stiffeners really need to be dimpled?
I won't be mounting my oil cooler on the baffles. My old, non-Van's baffles used pulled rivets exclusively. I'd rather not need to buy tools like a dimpler just to install baffles.

Thanks

[Andy Hill]

With dimpled rivets the baffles sit flush against each other, and to the engine e.g. around the rocker box covers.

With Blind Rivets, one side or other of the rivet will rest against another baffle, or the engine. Not ideal I would suggest for the baffles longevity, the surfaces of the engine, or cooling

It's a sin to install a blind rivet when you have access to install a solid one. It also looks crappy.

[Gooniebird]

BD4Guy, Whether or not blind rivets look crappy is certainly a personal opinion.

Personally I think they're tine. You can use countersunk blind rivets, sold by ACS, PN 1604-0412:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...exblindriv.php

Originally Posted by Gooniebird

BD4Guy, Whether or not blind rivets look crappy is certainly a personal opinion.

Personally I think they're tine. You can use countersunk blind rivets, sold by ACS, PN 1604-0412:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...exblindriv.php

Notice that it says non structural? Why not just use duct tape?

[Gooniebird]

Because blind rivets are better than duct tape.

There are thousands of planes flying around with blind rivets in their baffles including my 34 year old Varga...looks exactly like it did the day it was built.

As I said, it's a personal opinion.

What do the plans say to use? Unless you are a engineer and have done a structural analysis I would stick to the plans. It's hardly a personal decision. Just because another manufacturer does it one way is irrelevant.
I have never seen a substitution document that allowed using a non structural blind rivet in place of a hard rivet.
What if at inspection the DAR wants documentation for deviating from the plans?
Exactly what are your credentials for offering advice?

[BD4Guy]

I was hoping there might be somebody who had used blind rivets , but if a builder has already driven thousands of hard rivets, a few more would not bother them. I was thinking that if I did not hang the oil cooler on the rear baffle, and I put a plenum over the engine, I wouldn't need so much strength. As far as aesthetics go, I can't see it from the cockpit.
I thank everyone for their input, and hope nobody's feelings were hurt.

[WingsOnWheels]

BD4 Guy, I suggest you give vans a call. The baffles are impprtant, but not structual. In many cases, vans uses solid rivets because they are cheaper, not besause the strength is required. However, you prbably want them to make that call. For an RV builder that already has the tools it makes sense, but it you don't already have the tools, blind rivets may be a viable alternative. Keep in mind, not all blind rivets are created equal.

[KRviator]

Originally Posted by paul mosher

It's a sin to install a blind rivet when you have access to install a solid one. It also looks crappy.

Not at all.

I installed several hundred MK-319-BS rivets in my wings. Made installing the lower skin a heck of a lot easier and I didn't run the risk of having to drill out rivets I tried to buck solo but messed up.

If the builder is happy with the strength of a pulled rivet in a non-structural location - and lets face it, baffles are not structural - then there is nothing stopping him using them.