Horizontal Stab Build Question

[superfly1369]

Hi all,

I'm finishing up my Horizontal Stab for my RV-8 and noticed something peculiar and wondered if I'm right. In DWG-3 it pretty much states all rear spar to skin rivets will be AN426AD3-3.5. So, looking at the hinge doublers I'm thinking its 3 layers of metal, so its flagged in my head that normally this calls for a 3-4 rivet, yet in the DWG it still states 3.5. I checked against the gauge and a -4 is not too long, it looks to be a perfect length. Thoughts? Suggestions? I don't want to deviate from the plans, but they certainly appear to be questionable on length of rivet used in this instance. Pic of DWG-3 for reference.



Thanks for any and all input. I'm excited to wrap up the empennage build and my wings will be here in ~2 months.

Spydyr Mike (Spider Mike)

 

[inktomi]

I used 3.5 but I agree, they ended up looking pretty narrow once the shop head got bucked. I doubt a -4 would hurt things.

 

[SilverEagle2]

I typically used the plans as a "starting suggestion" while using my gauges to verify.

I used 4s here when I rebuilt my HS (all the SBs incorporated)...because it was...correct per spec.

Per Section 5 of the build manual:

NOTE: There are times when the correct rivet length is not available.
Depending on the application a shorter rivet can be used or a longer
rivet cut to the proper length. Using a longer rivet, as is, can result in
the shank being bent over like a nail. We have chosen to use a rivet
that may seem too short in some places, but will do the job adequately.

 

[superfly1369]

Thanks for the quick help.... from all the build videos I've watched so far, I agree that plans are a starting point and left to the builder to make it happen.

You've verified my gut, gonna use 4s cause at least then I'll know it'll squeeze within specs.

Mike