Tonight I spent an hour after work forming the trailing edge on the right elevator. It's important that these surfaces are formed nice and straight, otherwise it will likely have a negative impact on the aircraft's flying characterisics.
First up I gave each dimpled hole a light pass with the countersink bit to clean out any tank sealant that may have squeezed through.
Just like the rudder, I followed the instructions to the letter, back riveting just every tenth rivet, and only setting them half way. This helps hold everything together (although the tank sealant seems to do a pretty good job of that by itself).
I then went back along and half set the remaining rivets, checking frequently that the edge was still straight. Once all rivets were half set I then flipped the elevator over and finished them off flush with my mushroom rivet set.
I'm very happy with how the
Back riveting the right elevator trailing edge
The shop formed, double flush, rivet heads came out very neat
Not the best of pictures, but the trailing edge turned out nice and straight
