Closing QB wing with blind rivets

[jmartinez443]

I'm about ready to close my QB wings and was wondering if anyone has ever used blind rivets to fasten the outboard lower skin. Would this be considered a no-no?

[Mel]

Blind rivets are acceptable almost anywhere on the RV except for the main wing spar. I've inspected many RVs with the lower wing skins blind riveted as you suggest. Many of these have been flying for well over 10 years.

[Ironflight]

As Mel says, you certainly can do the outboard panel with blinds...but it really only takes a couple of three or four hour sessions with a partner to use solids - and it's quicker on the second one!

[jmartinez443]

Originally Posted by Mel

Blind rivets are acceptable almost anywhere on the RV except for the main wing spar. I've inspected many RVs with the lower wing skins blind riveted as you suggest. Many of these have been flying for well over 10 years.

Now that is what I call a quick reply. Thanks Mel. If I may bother you with one more stupid Q: I've already dimpled one of the skins for AN426AD3 rivets, would it be acceptable to use MK-319-BS (after I ream out to 7/64" of course).

Thanks in advance.

PS Do you DAR outside of TX? If so, I'll be calling you in about a year

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by jmartinez443

Now that is what I call a quick reply. Thanks Mel. If I may bother you with one more stupid Q: I've already dimpled one of the skins for AN426AD3 rivets, would it be acceptable to use MK-319-BS (after I ream out to 7/64" of course).

Thanks in advance.
......

Yes, it's OK... see this parallel thread.....

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...92&postcount=5

gil A

[Mel]

The MK-319 rivets will work fine in the 100 degree dimpled holes. These rivet heads are so close to the AD3 heads that you'd be hard pressed to see a difference.
Yes, I do go outside of Texas. I've done quite a few airplanes in Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

[LifeofReiley]

Originally Posted by Mel

The MK-319 rivets will work fine in the 100 degree dimpled holes. These rivet heads are so close to the AD3 heads that you'd be hard pressed to see a difference.
Yes, I do go outside of Texas. I've done several airplanes in Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Mel has been one of the best, most absolute advisors I have ever dealt with in regards to build questions and real true honest answers. Your money would be well spent having him sign off your project. And, no... this is not paid advertisement! Just the plane truth!!

[jeffmoreau]

I have never heard of using blind rivets to fasten the skin. I would use solid rivets. Some of them are difficult to buck, but it can be done. This is best accomplished with a partner.

[Pirkka]

Obviously money is not problem as those pop rivets cost a lot compared to solid rivets. Price for MK-319-BS at Van's is $0.22. Pneumatic pop-rivet tool might be nice as well... The builder is different from us anyway as building for RV-8A.

[jmartinez443]

Originally Posted by Pirkka

Obviously money is not problem as those pop rivets cost a lot compared to solid rivets. Price for MK-319-BS at Van's is $0.22. Pneumatic pop-rivet tool might be nice as well... The builder is different from us anyway as building for RV-8A.

Time vs Money the eternal paradox. I'm always inclined to follow the path of least resistance. That's why I bought a QB, that's why I'm building an A (no TW time or desire to get transition), blind rivets where I can to save time and labor, and yes, I do own a pneumatic rivet puller

Even if I needed 500 of them (which I won't), it would only cost about $100. This is a $70k plane (conservatively). Peanuts compared to the PITA it's gonna be to buck all of those solid rivets. Besides, it's the bottom of the wing - who'll ever know ... oh, I guess you guys will. The shame