[Bob Hoffman]

Over the weeking I was getting ready to fit the two halves to my cowling when I realized I need to order the required "soft" rivets. I understand I'll need two sizes , does anyone have the proper numbers for these??
Went on to Vans site and only found "AD"'s, it is my understanding that I'll need "A"'s (soft) am I wrong ?
Bob

 

[Stevea]

Correct, you want 'A' rivets. More specifically:

AN426A-x-y (or MS20426A-x-y)

where x=diameter in 32nds
and y=length in 16ths

'A' == 1100 aluminum (soft)
'AD' = 2117 aluminum

more info at: http://www.gen-aircraft-hardware.com/images/pdf/solidrivets.pdf


Aircraft Spruce and Genuine Aircraft Hardware carry them.


Edited:
Doh! Cowling..........the critical word here is cowling. As Scott McDaniels says below.......soft rivets are not called out on the cowling. AD rivets work fine on the prepreg (epoxy) cowling.

 

[Noah]

Are these rivets called for in the plans? If so why doesn't Vans supply them? Or is this a change you are making?

 

[rvbuilder2002]

Correct, you want 'A' rivets. More specifically:

AN426A-x-y (or MS20426A-x-y)

QUOTE]

Not correct.

The AD rivets work just fine in the prepreg (harder material) cowling. That is why "A" rivets are not supplied nor are the called out in the plans.

 

[robertahegy]

I used the normal AN rivets in my prepreg cowl and had no issues squeezing them into counter sunk holes. I countersunk a little extra and was able to easily bury the heads for a nice, clean resolve. None ever loosened in the five years I owned the plane. I never saw any notes on using any alternative or soft rivet.

Roberta

 

[Bob Hoffman]

Wow! Thanks everyone, good catch , Here is what happened.The original cowling was the "old" style and used the "soft" rivets,this is being replaced by the "new " style cowling , but I didn't realize that the rivet requirements would change.
Thanks for catching my mistake.
Bob

 

[Mel]

Here is what happened.The original cowling was the "old" style and used the "soft" rivets,this is being replaced by the "new " style cowling , but I didn't realize that the rivet requirements would change.
Thanks for catching my mistake.
Bob

I used standard AD rivets in my "old" cowling and 17 years later they still look great.