Wing top skins

tshort · Post by **tshort** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:22 pm

Any reason why I can't start riveting the top skins on before the tanks are mounted? The LEs are on / riveted and everything is jigged / square / etc.
I was thinking of putting the tanks on with clecoes in the nutplates and firing away.
I have a visit from a valuable riveting assistant tomorrow AM and those rivets are some of the only ones I can't buck alone(well, I guess I could, but it would involve tape / bending skins, etc).

Thoughts?

Thomas

JohnR · Post by **JohnR** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 12:41 am

I did mine before the tanks were mounted. Didn't have any problems but YMMV.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 5:46 am

Technically, no... there is no reason why you cannot.

I, didn't want to and held off because I feel that the leading edge sections contribute to the rigidity and overall "trueness" of the structure.

I am thrilled with the way the skins are aligned and believe that this is due, part and parcel to the LE's (tanks included) being in place BEFORE the main skins were nailed on.

YMMV...

CJ

Wicked Stick · Post by **Wicked Stick** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 2:33 pm

Thomas,

If the tanks are built, and you just don't want to mount them yet, why not at least cleco them on and only install a few screws to keep it in the correct position while riveting the top skins.

I would advise against riveting the top skins until both the leading edge, and tank skins are mounted.

JohnR · Post by **JohnR** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 2:49 pm

To clarify I did have my leading edge riveted on and the tanks temporarily in place with clecos and a couple of screws on each side. They were not fully mounted yet though.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 2:52 pm

I agree with the others Thomas. The tank really stiffens things up, even if just cleco's and a few screws are used. I'd put 'em on first...

Wicked Stick · Post by **Wicked Stick** » Fri Sep 22, 2006 6:32 pm

JohnR wrote:To clarify I did have my leading edge riveted on and the tanks temporarily in place with clecos and a couple of screws on each side. They were not fully mounted yet though.

If you have the tank mounted as you say, then I would think it would be fine.
Check it by cleco'ing the skin on and checking the hole alignment at all corners of the skin and along the front and rear spar lines. If the holes all line up fine, then I'd say your good to go on riveting them on.

tshort · Post by **tshort** » Sat Sep 23, 2006 2:13 am

Thanks for the input.
My tanks are all sealed up except for the end ribs on the R tank and the baffles on both. Stu was busy this AM so I just finished some misc. stuff.
I think I'll wait until the tanks are on .... was just hoping to make some visible progress!

Thomas