Elevator spar to end rib rivets ...

[Spike]

I rivetd the end rib / counter balance onto my elevator spar last night. The topmost forward facing rivet was a real pain to get to. I had real problems getting any type of bucking par in there to buck the rivet and a longeron yoke wouldn't fit. Id like a nicer way to get to that rivet next time. How did you do it?

-- John

[Wicked Stick]

Get a "No-Hole" yoke for your squeezer. Works great for tight places.
That's what I use.

[Spike]

Yeah, I agree with you. As a matter of fact, I have one. Though the yoke is not deep enough to get to the rivet. As a matter of fact a longeron yoke isn't deep enough to get it.

[johnk]

If I recall correctly, there are four 1/8 rivets attaching the spar to the counterbalance assembly: two from the spar to the long outer rib, and two from the spar to the short inner rib. I seem to remember being able to squeeze them all somehow. I think I used the longeron yoke and slightly pushed the end of the counterbalance skin away from the ribs to make room. I'll look at my notes/photos tonight and see if I can remember anything else.
John

[Spike]

Thanx John. I am talking about the top most 1/8 rivet that assembles the shorter rib and the spar. I had riveted the top of the skin to the top of the spar so I couldn't get it over the top of the spar. I had to come up from the bottom and didnt have a yoke that would get onto it.

-- Spike

[Rupester]

I tried to squeeze those, but w/o a longeron yoke it was no dice. I shot 'em ...and really had no problem getting a bucking bar in there. I was concerned at first, but with 90psi on the rivet gun, those babies crush in no time.

Spike, you and I are at nearly exactly the same place in the construction chronology. I just shot those 4 rivets on Tuesday of this week!

BTW ... I'm gonna start another thread about dimpling the elev. skin ..

Rupester
N319TE; RV-9A