6S4 Hugo
Active Member
I'm still in the "looking-at-it" stage on the RV-12. I like the idea of pulled rivets (speed and ease), but had some concerns about long term lifespans.
With a solid rivet, there is less chance of water invasion into the interior of the wings and other surfaces. Pulled rivets seem to have a natural reservoir to collect water. Additionally, if the remaining stem falls free, you would have the 12,000 stems banging around your aircraft. (I'd hate to have to lift the wings, on end, and have to shake the little beggars out
) You would also be open to large amounts of water infiltrating into the wings and fuselage.
Do the plans call for filling the rivet holes with epoxy, or is paint sufficient to seal the holes? What about those builders who opt for a polished finish?
I Googled and could find nothing on this. I did find some solid vs. pulled rivet discussion boards, but was wondering if this could be what has led to the problems with the Zodiac and the wings.
With a solid rivet, there is less chance of water invasion into the interior of the wings and other surfaces. Pulled rivets seem to have a natural reservoir to collect water. Additionally, if the remaining stem falls free, you would have the 12,000 stems banging around your aircraft. (I'd hate to have to lift the wings, on end, and have to shake the little beggars out
Do the plans call for filling the rivet holes with epoxy, or is paint sufficient to seal the holes? What about those builders who opt for a polished finish?
I Googled and could find nothing on this. I did find some solid vs. pulled rivet discussion boards, but was wondering if this could be what has led to the problems with the Zodiac and the wings.