[simpits-tech] Jay's F-16...

[Gene Buckle]

> I'm using cherry type rivets and a cheapo pneumatic rivet gun from the 
> local tool shop.  I found a bunch of counter sunk rivets on fleabay a 
> while back that had the perfect pull for using .125" stock sheet and 
> angle.  I've got handfulls of other types of rivets for other spots. 
> The left console panel was a kit I bought from Martin over in the EU. 
> I used regular cheapo pop rivets for that as I couldn't locate cheap 
> rivets of the proper size and pull and did not want to spend the fortune 
> it costs to buy the rivets from an aircraft company.
>
So they're countersunk "pop" rivets then?

FYI, AN standard rivets are about $20 a pound from Aircraft Spruce for the 
.125 x 1/2" version.  Those are of course "real" rivets that you need a 
bucking bar & rivet gun for.  I've not priced the other types.

>  I did, however, have to finally bite the bullet and buy pull type 
> rivets for the nutplates as I simply could not find those as 
> surplus...as well as the floating type nutplate.  They were pricey but 
> after installing them, I wish I had just bit the bullet sooner and used 
> them as they are really perfect for many spots.
>
Nut plates are indeed very nice when working with metal.  I'm still 
debating on whether or not to skin the cockpit prototype with .040" sheet 
metal.  (galvanized steel - aluminum is frighteningly expensive for the 
sheet sizes I need)

>  I TIG welded the angle brackets to the ribs but then riveted that to 
> the side walls.  I found out the hard way that welding large flat pieces 
> does not work well.
>
Hehee.  Yow. :)

>  I wish I had seen that little video series you posted up yesterday.  I 
> watched the part about deburring and I have not been doing that right. 
> Luckily, this isn't going to fly and probably won't make a difference.

I haven't had a chance to look at that one.  The site is great, but the 
daisy-chained auto-play videos are annoying as hell.

tnx!

g.

-- 
Proud owner of F-15C 80-0007
http://www.f15sim.com - The only one of its kind.