Brief Description: Prep and Riveting of Floor Access Panel
Once all the pieces of the panel were all prepared and ready to rivet, I proceeded to the next step of installing the nut plates on the back of the backing plate that the panel will actually rest on once it’s secured in place. I held it in my vice with rubber spacers so it wouldn’t scratch and was better able to work with the rivet squeezers. I clecoed all of the nut plates in place at once, so it was a much faster process to rivet.
Once the nut plates were complete, I masked and painted the portions of the access panel that were going to be touching and not seeing the light of day again. I used the same self-etching primer that I have used in other areas of the build. It’s very fast drying and recommended by my sheetmetal instructor who has actually written a book on the matter. Very happy with the finish and ready to secure the backplate to the floor.
