|
|
|
|
Steve & Nancy Riffe
|
Date: 10-29-2020
|
Number of Hours: 4.00
|
Manual Reference:
|
Brief Description: Fwd longeron/engine mounts--bolts for rivets
|
|
Recently a builder in Australia (Rob C.) posted an issue on VAF regarding the forward longeron/motor mount attachment. It appears that some QB kits produced in 2010 had rivets installed where bolts should have been. After reading his article, I checked and my kit also has rivets instead of bolts. To correct this issue, I removed the cowling and forward baggage floor. Per Van’s suggestion, I used a unibit to cut a ¾” hole in the firewall to access the underside of the floor. Reaching thru the baggage door opening, I used a 12” long #30 drill to drill into the aft most rivet tail. I used a right angle drill attachment with a #21 bit to drill the shop head off, then used a punch to knock the rivet out of the hole. I drilled the hole up in steps--#30, 5/32”, #19, 3/16”. I inserted an AN3-5A bolt with a thin washer into the hole. Next, I took a 3/8” box end wrench, put tape over the back side and inserted an AN365-1032 nut. I coated an AN960-10 washer with Easy-Turn fuel lube and stuck the washer to the nut. Reaching the wrench thru the hole in the firewall, I held the nut against the protruding bolt. Using a 30” extension on the bolt, I was able to turn it while holding the nut from below. Anyone with short arms would need a helper! I tightened the bolt and torqued. Repeat for the next 3 rivets. Right side is done! The left side looks a bit more challenging due to wiring, fuel lines etc. I will tackle it in a day or so.
|
|
Drilled out aft most rivet
|
|
Hole in F/W to attach nuts
|
|
R. side--rivets replaced with bolts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2001-2024 Matronics. All Rights Reserved.
|
