brian
Well Known Member
I've been installing a new nose gear wheel pant and nose gear leg fairing on my -6A. The drawing (C1) calls for 426 flush rivets 1.5" apart along the trailing edge of the gear leg fairing. I've drilled the holes through the fairing and the piano hinge.
But I don't really see how I'm going to countersink that thin leg fairing fiberglass to get the rivets to sit flush. I haven't tried cutting the countersinks yet, and I will practice first on some scraps, but it seems to me the material is so thin, and the difference between too deep and not deep enough is so tiny, it will be quite difficult to cut the perfect depth, even with a countersink cage.
In hindsight, it seem to me perhaps I should have epoxied the hinge in place, rather than trying to hold it with flush rivets, but I followed the plans & drilled the holes.
Perhaps I can cut the countersinks by turning the cutter in the cage with my hand, rather than a drill, to make sure I don't go even slightly too deep.
What is the experience of others on VAF with this? Did you attach the hinge with flush rivets, as per the plans? Any tips to offer on doing this?
But I don't really see how I'm going to countersink that thin leg fairing fiberglass to get the rivets to sit flush. I haven't tried cutting the countersinks yet, and I will practice first on some scraps, but it seems to me the material is so thin, and the difference between too deep and not deep enough is so tiny, it will be quite difficult to cut the perfect depth, even with a countersink cage.
In hindsight, it seem to me perhaps I should have epoxied the hinge in place, rather than trying to hold it with flush rivets, but I followed the plans & drilled the holes.
Perhaps I can cut the countersinks by turning the cutter in the cage with my hand, rather than a drill, to make sure I don't go even slightly too deep.
What is the experience of others on VAF with this? Did you attach the hinge with flush rivets, as per the plans? Any tips to offer on doing this?