[malconium]

Originally Posted by IndyAnne

I wonder if this gap (photo in previous post) is evidence that there will not be unreachable rivets under the fiberglass cap? I have 1/8" bits ready to go to remove the visible rivets. I don't want to cut the skins at the junction with the fiberglass. What a predicament. But, I'm just guessing right now, the proof will be in the drilling.

Anybody have experience with this? You see, one thing leads to another purchase -- the aforementioned air compressor. It's time to take that plunge, in two weeks. I already figure the electric version of the metal shears is too heavy to manage with the kind of dexterity needed. Those things are really heavy, and the grip is large, and they don't seem to make a junior version.

I have the manual ones from the airparts folks, and they work well for small work. But, I have a bigger outside skin project coming up (see photos) and I want to be prepared.

If the interior skins have to be sheared, also, I'll have to hurry up with the air compressor so I can get this back end back together before the big family camp-out coming up in mid-June. Nothing like a deadline to work for! And, nothing like a vintage Airstream for building up a good workshop.

First, Hawaii next week. I've never been, very excited. Then, back to the other Trade Wind immersion.

I love it!

Anne

Anne,

I suggest that you drill out the rivets that you can see and then carefully chop off the ones under the edge of the plastic end cap with a sharp chisel of the type in the attached photo. The rivets are aluminum and will cut right off without too much problem. When you put the skins back in you might be able to pull the bottom edge of the plastic back enough to re-install some rivets but if not there is no reason you couldn't put in a few new ones if needed just below the plastic.

Malcolm