Brief Description: An issue with a bulkhead flange
I have been unusually busy the last few days with museum tours (extra work with the Dayton Airshow), the grandkids, and a trip to the Ohio Gun Collectors Show with my number one son. I did, however, get just a little time this evening to take one last look at the inside of the seat rib subassembly before riveting.
The final inspection revealed something unusual. The center rivet that ties the two bottom skins together is located right where the flange is separated by a slot. If riveted this way the skins would not be tied to the bulkhead and the separated flanges might actually interfere with the shop head on the rivet. This is the first time I have run into anything like this on the RV kit.
Anyway, I decided to make up a little doubler plate for the flange, dimple it to match, and rivet it with the skins and flanges using -5 rivets. This should make a strong joint and ensure a smoother flush surface on the outside.
The last task I had time for was to insert rivets (every other dimple) where the skins will be tied to the bulkhead and seat ribs. I used -4 rivets rather than the 3.5s that were specified (the 3.5s were too short when driven). The outboard ribs are not to be riveted at this time and there are four holes in the aft end of the inboard ribs that should also be skipped at this time.
Well, the granddaughters are calling and they want to play cards this evening. I think they have me wrapped around their little fingers.
