Riveting Elevators

[jlfernan]

The plans specifically say to back rivet the stiffners to the elevator skins. Would there be any problem squeezing the four most aft rivets then back riveting the rest?

 

[scard]

No problem. Just make sure everything stays flat.

 

[kevinh]

The plans specifically say to back rivet the stiffners to the elevator skins. Would there be any problem squeezing the four most aft rivets then back riveting the rest?

I guess you could, but backriveting gives a REALLY nice finish (nicer than squeezed IMHO). Try backriveting the ones you can't reach with the squeezer first - I suspect you'll be so happy that you go ahead and back rivet the last few.

Super low hassle - drop in the rivets, cover with rivet tape, bang against a plate (preferably recessed into a board) and you are done. Optionally lightly goop up with RTV or proseal if Van's recommends such steps for the nine.

 

[rv9aviator]

Back riveting looks a lot nicer and is real easy to do. Sometimes you can get a wavy appearance with a squeezer. The strength of the rivet will be about the same what ever way you choose as long as it is done properly. That's my understanding anyway.

 

[jcoloccia]

Here's how I did mine. Simple but effective

http://www.ballofshame.com/flying/rv-7/buildLog/20060205.php