rivit replacement

[nevisstudio]

hello all...

need some insight on replacing rivits on the extrior...the exterior rivits are rounded with no whole like the interior ones....

how do you-
1.remove them...grind them..there is no hole to drill..
2.insert new ones...from the inside?......cant cause after replacing floor there is no access....

thanks
rich

[joatmon]

1. I use a Dremel tool with a very fine tip to grind a starter hole in the existing rivet, then whip out the (I forget the drill size) bit mounted in the drill motor to drill it out.
2. Read up on bucking rivets (that's what the original rivets are). After you say, "Wow, that's a lot of work involving two people", you will find Olympic rivets, inserted from the outside, will suit your needs well.

[greg176]

The original solid rivets on the exterior of your airstream are 1/8" in diameter.In the center there is a little dimple.I like to give the rivet a little tap there with a small automatic center punch to give a better center.I then drill the rivet out with a #30 drill trying not to enlarge the hole.I do all my work with the 1/8" holes and clecos.When everything is ready I open the holes up with a #21 drill and install 5/32 clecos.You then may wish to use olympic rivets or if you have access to the other side you can install solid rivets.For more info see the thread

http://www.airforums.com/forum...2&page=1&pp=20