NorthernRV4
Well Known Member
Well, a little later than I thought I'd be but I'm ready to rivet the top main wing skins on the port wing. Leading edge is fully riveted, and all all ribs are pop riveted and bolts torqued except the inboard 3 ribs which I'll leave until the wing is completely closed. In Canada we have to have an inspection before I can rivet the bottom wing skins in place.
I'm looking for advice to make this process easier and avoid potential pitfalls. Here's what I have so far.
1. I plan to back rivet using the Cleaveland 12" back rivet set. There's a tiny bit of misalignment due to the flange on the opposite side of the rib but this must not be a real problem since this is pretty standard procedure for top skins. I don't have the large face bucking bar they sell and I'm wondering if that's truly required for a nice finish, thoughts?
2. I plan to follow the rivet driving sequence Van specifies in the build manual unless there is a better way.
3. I've heard of builders using a heat lamp to warm the skin slightly during riveting but I don't know much about the in/out's of this. Is it worth the effort in the end?
4. I find there is the slightest misalignment of some, not all, dimples nesting together, it's just enough to make the edge of a rivet stand slightly proud so that a fingernail can catch it. I'm sure others have experienced this, how did you deal with it?
I can't wait to see this porcupine without it's quills!
RV-4 LH wing ready for riveting by James Soutar, on Flickr
I'm looking for advice to make this process easier and avoid potential pitfalls. Here's what I have so far.
1. I plan to back rivet using the Cleaveland 12" back rivet set. There's a tiny bit of misalignment due to the flange on the opposite side of the rib but this must not be a real problem since this is pretty standard procedure for top skins. I don't have the large face bucking bar they sell and I'm wondering if that's truly required for a nice finish, thoughts?
2. I plan to follow the rivet driving sequence Van specifies in the build manual unless there is a better way.
3. I've heard of builders using a heat lamp to warm the skin slightly during riveting but I don't know much about the in/out's of this. Is it worth the effort in the end?
4. I find there is the slightest misalignment of some, not all, dimples nesting together, it's just enough to make the edge of a rivet stand slightly proud so that a fingernail can catch it. I'm sure others have experienced this, how did you deal with it?
I can't wait to see this porcupine without it's quills!
RV-4 LH wing ready for riveting by James Soutar, on Flickr