15,000 rivets has been reached!

cjensen · #1 08-23-2008, 07:06 PM

I surpassed it today! I wasn't sure I'd get there, but as I updated my build log for today, I realized that somewhere in the 30 rivets set on the firewall cover, the 15,000th rivet was set!

A note about the cover...since I have the long engine mount, my oil filter won't need the recess, so I chose to put a SS plate in place of the recess, and add a personal touch to it!

Still a little riveting to go...

N941WR · #2 08-23-2008, 07:24 PM

Chad,

That cover plate is very cool! I wish I had thought of that.

To hear the -7 has 15,000+ rivets makes me wonder how many more the -9 has in it.

Some time back someone posted that the -9 was easier to build than the -7 for some obscure reason and was quickly jumped on. Although the -9 has longer wings and HS, the build process is the same but I do suspect (know) the -9 has more rivets because of the longer parts.

Thanks for keeping count!

Mel · #3 08-23-2008, 07:32 PM

Chad, I wouldn't change it now. After all, mine is black, as used to be the standard. Over the years, however, we have found that a white or light colored engine mount is easier to inspect for cracks. Cracks are much more difficult to detect on a dark colored mount.

cjensen · #4 08-23-2008, 07:45 PM

Hey Mel,

We talked about this at work with our A&P's, and although white, or something really light is the best, they all thought that my red mount is *bright* enough to show any flaws down the road. Although, it could be argued that mounts should not be powdercoated at all because sometimes a crack won't be seen at all underneath...even a white mount could hide them...