Brief Description: Closing up the lower Wing Skins
Worked several days on installing the lower (underside) wing skins. Failed to follow Van's instructions initially by riveting the lower skins in the wrong order. By the time I discovered my error I had installed about half of the rivets. Reaching my hands and bucking iron in via the inspection holes was a nightmare, not to mention the cuts and bruises incurred. Harland's dad, Chris, offered to help. A Godsend! I taught him how to use the rivet gun in a matter of minutes and then I bucked from inside the skins. We managed to get almost all of them in this manner but there were about a dozen on the trailing edge near the aileron, that had to be fastened with pull rivets. Hope that passes inspection! Being on the underside and having countersink pull rivets, shouldn't be a problem.
I won't make that same mistake on the right wing, for sure! If all else fails, read the instructions! Start with the trailing edge along the aileron and flap. Start with the inboard bottom skin and rivet it to the rear spar being careful not to bend the skin too far as you are reaching underneath with the bucking bar. Don't even lay the ourboard skin on until you finish riveting the inboard skin, that way you'll have better access via the lightening holes in the ribs. Wear protective clothing and gloves to minimize cuts and scratches. Have fun!!!! Working on the right wing now, the left one is resting comfortably in it's cradle.
