DATE: 10-07-2024 TIME: 1:45
I spent today finishing off riveting the 1015 B through G stiffeners together and to the forward shear plates. As mentioned in an earlier post, I put rivets in both the forward and rear holes toward the trailing edge in all the stiffeners except for 1015A. Apart from a couple of extra ounces of weight, I don’t think it makes much difference to the rudder although the manual says to only put a rivet in the forward hole. I’ve checked with Vans on this and am awaiting a reply.
As I riveted the stiffeners together I peeled back the backing from the 3M transfer tape I used instead of the tank sealant and, as I riveted each stiffener I inserted clecos through both skins and the trailing edge wedge ahead of each stiffener. Everything seems to line up nicely. So, right now before riveting the trailing edge, everything is looking pretty good.
This is an easy enough solo task, much easier than riveting the vertical stabilizer, but no doubt would be quicker with a helper.
