Van's Air Force

The definitive Van's Aircraft support community! Buying, building or flying an RV? Join our exclusive family of mentors and enthusiasts!

Cowl Hinge Rivets

skelrad

Well Known Member
Friend
I have failed to find the right size hunk of metal sitting in the corner to use as a bucking bar for the last two lower rivets of the side cowl hinge. I've got a pile of different pop rivets left over, but I don't know what can/should be used where. I don't have any Cherrys in the right size. Would upsizing the holes and using CS4-4's be reasonable here? My other option is to remove the engine/engine mount and just squeeze these rivets, but it would be nice if I didn't have to go that route. If the pop rivets aren't a good route to take, I'll put these rivets on hold until I can make the drive to the metal yard and pick up some stock to grind down.

1754773824512.jpeg
 
I’m used Cherry Max rivets in these area. I needed to drill out to -4 size because the -3 size pull rivets aren’t long enough
 
Grab the biggest flat screwdriver in the tool chest. Tape the biggest tungsten you have to the screwdriver as close to the work as possible. Might bend the screwdriver, but it works.
 
Unfortunately, no. I have quite a few different yokes, and none will both get around the engine mount as well as over the hinge eyes.
I honestly can not remember how I did mine, but I know you can put a solid rivet there. You’ll get it!
 
I think i had 2 rivets on each side that I couldn’t buck without removing the mount. That really tight one at the bottom in your pic and a similar one at the top. I used the msp-319 or whatever it is called. The monel one that requires the 7/32” hole. Vans told me this are much stronger than traditional pop rivets and acceptable substitutes for solid rivets on most locations. Obviously on a limited use. 1500 hours on the 6 and these haven’t let go yet.
 
I have failed to find the right size hunk of metal sitting in the corner to use as a bucking bar for the last two lower rivets of the side cowl hinge. I've got a pile of different pop rivets left over, but I don't know what can/should be used where. I don't have any Cherrys in the right size. Would upsizing the holes and using CS4-4's be reasonable here? My other option is to remove the engine/engine mount and just squeeze these rivets, but it would be nice if I didn't have to go that route. If the pop rivets aren't a good route to take, I'll put these rivets on hold until I can make the drive to the metal yard and pick up some stock to grind down.

View attachment 94578
Have you thought of using a MK 319 BS pull rivet ??
 
Back
Top