Brief Description: Riveting the Vertical Stabilizer Skin
This log entry records the assembly of the vertical stabilizer. I used the 2x rivet gun to install the AN426AD3-3.5 rivets connecting the skin to the forward spar, and the center rib. After the left and right side of the vertical stabilizer were riveted, I then attached the aft spar and using the pneumatic squeezer and 3-3.5 rivets. I had a small amount of trouble with the rivets around the center hinges. I was able to successfully set the rivets in those locations using the rivet gun and a tungsten bucking bar. After setting the rivets on the aft spar I realized that I had forgotten to remove the blue plastic from the inside of the stabilizer aft of the spar. So I removed numerous rivets from the upper rib and the aft spar enough to slip my hands inside of the structure and pull the plastic out. All of the rivets came out without enlarging any holes. I also removed as few rivets as practicable, and carefully lifted the skin to slip my hands inside, and did not bend any skin or stress any remaining rivets. After successfully removing the plastic I reinstalled all the rivets on the aft spar upper and lower ribs with the pneumatic squeezer.
I also used the 3x rivet gun to insta the AN470AD4-4 rivets attaching the upper rib to the aft spar, and also the AN470AD4-6 rivets connecting the lower rib to the aft spar. Finally I installed the LP4-3 blind rivets connecting the center rib to the aft spar.
