Tunnel cover nutplate options

[enigmakv]

I think the builder of my plane missed the note at the top of 28-07.
Page OP 62-02 shows the install of five nutplates on each side of the cover. These nutplates hold on the tunnel cover underneath the belly.

While investigating some streaky fluid underneath I set out to remove the tunnel cover and had difficulty removing some of the screws (had to pull really hard to get them to back out).

Turns out the 10 nutplates of 62-02 were never installed and instead ClickBond nutplates were used. Unfortunately in removing the tunnel cover screws the glue on most of the ClickBond plates broke seal and they ended up loose on the floor.

I'd appreciate any suggestion for what to use going forward for a more secure nutplate option.

On each side one location is under the pedals and another under the seat carry-thru. I've never riveted before and it looks like those locations would be a high difficulty. Additionally all the countersunk blind rivets I find seem to be 120°, not 100.

 

[BobTurner]

I think the builder of my plane missed the note at the top of 28-07.
Page OP 62-02 shows the install of five nutplates on each side of the cover. These nutplates hold on the tunnel cover underneath the belly.

While investigating some streaky fluid underneath I set out to remove the tunnel cover and had difficulty removing some of the screws (had to pull really hard to get them to back out).

Turns out the 10 nutplates of 62-02 were never installed and instead ClickBond nutplates were used. Unfortunately in removing the tunnel cover screws the glue on most of the ClickBond plates broke seal and they ended up loose on the floor.

I'd appreciate any suggestion for what to use going forward for a more secure nutplate option.

On each side one location is under the pedals and another under the seat carry-thru. I've never riveted before and it looks like those locations would be a high difficulty. Additionally all the countersunk blind rivets I find seem to be 120°, not 100.

Not hard at all. Holding nutplates requires very little strength from the rivet. Pull rivets will work fine. You can always buy the 100 deg head pull rivets from Vans or any good on-line hardware store, but even if you don’t and use 120 deg heads it will be strong enough (but might look a bit off). Or go to the hardware store and get some small flat head screws and locknuts.

 

[enigmakv]

Not hard at all. Holding nutplates requires very little strength from the rivet. Pull rivets will work fine. You can always buy the 100 deg head pull rivets from Vans or any good on-line hardware store, but even if you don’t and use 120 deg heads it will be strong enough (but might look a bit off). Or go to the hardware store and get some small flat head screws and locknuts.

Great info Bob. Thanks.

I'll look in to finding some 100 deg pull rivets first.

 

[Desert Rat]

There are very few 3/32 pull rivets, but to save you some searching, cherry makes a non-structural rivet with a100* flush head that works really well for nutplates. The part number is CCR264CS3-02

 

[enigmakv]

There are very few 3/32 pull rivets, but to save you some searching, cherry makes a non-structural rivet with a100* flush head that works really well for nutplates. The part number is CCR264CS3-02

Holy geez! Part number and all. Thank you!!

 

[Desert Rat]

Holy geez! Part number and all. Thank you!!

No problem. The first hurdle is knowing it exists. After that about 30 seconds on google revealed the part number