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Mike & Aneta's RV Projects
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Date: 8-7-2011
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Number of Hours: 5.00
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Manual Reference: VS Section 6(5)
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Brief Description: Replacing Damaged VS Spar Parts
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So I asked around for advice on my "smiled" rivets on the VS spar skin. The people on the Vans Airforce Website were very helpful with suggestions, as were my fellow local builders and of course Vans Aircraft themselves via email and phone. In the end, there were two camps (repair or replace), but everyone agreed some action needed to be done. My choice for repair were simple, Either I had to drill out all 68 rivets out and replace the spar skin (part that was damaged) or I was to drill out only the rivets that were damaged at the rudder attach bracket, fashion a doubler piece to add strength and then rivet it back together. I was inclined towards the "replace the spar skin" route, and besides I needed practice with my new rivet drillout tool!
I went to town and drilled out all of the rivets, even the ones I was proud of. When it was all over, I had become pretty good at drilling out rivets, but was unhappy with a few holes that seemed to be enlarged slightly in the process. I have been told that if the cleco will hold, then the hole is okay. However, after seeing to cost of replacment parts, it wasn't too much more expensive than the spar skin to just go ahead and also get replacement attach brackets, another doubler, etc. I even threw in a couple of T-shirts and caps into the order that I had been meaning to buy. :)
When they arrive I will build an entirely new spar assembly, then I'll move on to riveting the VS ribs and skin. In the end, it may cost a little more time and money, but I want to have a NEW plane when I'm finished, with as few patches as possible.
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VS Rear Spar parts after disassembly.
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Damage on the Rear Spar Skin.
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Rudder attach brackets, including the "First Rivet" one. :(
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