RV10 Seat Rivets, New Seats

[Nashpdman]

Thought I'd share how I riveted the seat pans to the seat ribs. This is section 49-03, step 6. If you haven't built these yet there isn't much room for a bucking bar. This was my solution, it worked very well!

I bolted a back riveting plate to my workbench. This plate was 4" wide. If you had a 3" wide plate it would work better, the ribs would fit over the plate better. The plate allowed me to back-rivet the seat pans to the seat ribs with a high level of control and fairly easy. My work bench is built for back riveting, but I would think you could accomplish the same on a wooden bench. The pictures show how I had to angle the ribs to make the 4" plate work. Just my thoughts for the day, hope it helps. Video link below.

 

[chris1seto]

These rivets were infuriating to set. Looks like yours turned out really nice! I wish we had done the same method. I wonder how many builders end up replacing these solid rivets with structural pull rivets after they realize how tight the inner rib clearance is.

 

[Nashpdman]

I couldn't imagine the aggravation of setting them with a bucking bar! Just balancing the pan and rib while bucking would be a pain! Pulled structural rivets would be a good option here. I didn't have any when I got to this step or I would have considered them. Like everyone, I didn't want to order them and wait. This back-rivet method was really simple and fast.

 

[danlh]

Great idea on the back riveting. Any tips on installing the spring on the recliner adjustment. That’s been my fight/ frustration today. I guess I’m more a carpenter than a mechanic!

 

[Nashpdman]

Great idea on the back riveting. Any tips on installing the spring on the recliner adjustment. That’s been my fight/ frustration today. I guess I’m more a carpenter than a mechanic!

I used needle nose vise grips to grab them and pull into place.

 

[danlh]

I used needle nose vise grips to grab them and pull into place.

My problem is trying to open the loop to set on the locking bar.

 

[danlh]

I probably should have installed the spring on the bar before installing it (the locking bar).
I did get this step completed after giving a break for the night!