toad's RV-8

18 Nov 07 - Primed and Riveted Rudder Stiffeners - 3.0 Hours

I got out the bunny suit and shot some primer on the rudder skin and stiffeners. The primer turned out better than my previous two attempts. I had the flow knob turned down quite a bit, so I didn't have any runs, although I did have some orange peel effect, so I probably have it turned down a little much. Must find happy medium.

After everything was dry, I started back-riveting the stiffeners to the skin.


I found it easiest to place on cleco at the edge of the stiffener, insert all of the rivets and tape them (use the Scotch removable tape), and then rivet the entire row all at once. I thought I might have some trouble with mis-alignment since I didn't have a cleco every few spots, but it worked great.


I had to do a little modification of the back riveting set to make it work with the stiffeners. I just took it to the sander and sanded one side flat.



Back-riveting is very simple, and I was able to reach even the most aft rivet by bending the skin back.


The rudder skin with all of the stiffeners riveted on.


View of the outside.

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