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RV-9A: F-704 Bulkhead - 4/18/2008
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Installed the nutplates on the 2 bulkheadsInstalled the nutplates on the 2 bulkheads
I found two 6 inch bolts at Home Depot that I use to hold the the bulkhead sides up while I installed the nutplates. These bolts are smaller in diameter than the bolts that go in during the final wing installation. So they slide in and out really easy.
Final drilled the F-982B-L&R and F-983B-L&R support ribsFinal drilled the F-982B-L&R and F-983B-L&R support ribs
I used my #30 twelve inch drill bit to avoid hitting the side of the support ribs with my drill.
Drilled the top and bottom holes where the bolts goDrilled the top and bottom holes where the bolts go
The written instructions don't say anything about doing this now, so I'm assuming that it needs to be done.
Started drilling the snap bushing holes into the support ribsStarted drilling the snap bushing holes into the support ribs
I used a scrap piece of 2x4 and starting drilling these holes, starting the biggest hole first. I just let the Unibit go right into the 2x4 and then did all the other ribs holes, letting the bit go into the same hole in the 2x4.
Very nice!Very nice!
You'll notice that there is blue sharpie mark on the drill bit. This let's me know when to stop drilling.
More nutplate fun!More nutplate fun!
Since the rivets that go into these nutplates are flathead rivets, the nutplate holes need to conform to the dimples in the support rib. No problem, I just used my hand squeezer and put some muscle into dimpling the nutplate holes. Works like a charm!
Ready for primer and riveting!Ready for primer and riveting!
Riveted on the nutplatesRiveted on the nutplates
You'll notice that I clecoed the rib to a weird (and thick) aluminum plate that came with the tailkit. I never did figure what this plate was for. So I'm using it as a jig to hold these puppies while I rivet on the nutplates.
UPDATE: I received and email from an RV buddy and he explained that the aluminum plate is a guage to help determine the bolt and drill bit sizes. The holes that are on an angle are for the bolt lengths, the four on one side are for drill bit sizes #40, #30, #10, and #12. The instructions on how to use it and how to mark it come with the empennage kit. On my next RV, I'll read the instructions!!
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