Z-bracket questions

tshort · Post by **tshort** » Sat Apr 29, 2006 3:50 am

Anyone else have any issues with edge distance for the nutplates on the fuel tank z-brackets? (just the rivets on the very ends)
I know these are not structural (they serve to keep the nutplate from turning and hold it in place) but my concern is that the low edge distance might allow a crack to start / propagate thereby weakening the z-bracket.

Also, were your z-brackets "scored" on the web of the bracket? Mine have a groove that goes the length of the web. I assume this is intentional altho I don't know why...?

Thomas
-8 wings

Lorin Dueck · Post by **Lorin Dueck** » Sat Apr 29, 2006 5:58 pm

Thomas -

You have great timing!
I just finshed one set of Z brackets this morning.

My edge distances were all okay - even with the countersink -
(more than 1 1/2 times the daimeter of the rivet).

Also - all my Z brakets had a groove on one side.
I'm sure that's how they came out of the extrusion dies.

Oh - I found Van's statement that the aluminum pop riverts are easy to drill out is misleading.
Don't use any more than you have to to temporarily attach the brackets to the baffle.

Good luck.

Lorin D
9A Wings
(N194LD reserved)

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sat Apr 29, 2006 7:34 pm

Thomas, Mine look lke Lorin's.

Looking at it quickly, it seems that I have about 5/32" edge distance on mine.

It didn't concern me at the time as being too close. Like you say, it isn't structural. They just hold the platenut in place until the bolt is sunk in there.

CJ