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Huge bulge in wing rear spar of an RV-8

Anna

Active Member
Hello Together!

In the last time I have a real streak of bad luck?

By the installation of the gap filler of the wing, I made a huge bulge in
the rear spar of the wing. (See pictures) What shall I do now? I know the
rivet is to flat, too, but drilling it out could make everything even
worse?

Thanks for your help!

Best wishes,
Anna



 
Looks like you need to lighten up on your riveting.

What pressure are you running to the gun??
 
Not too bad

I would remove the rivet and flatten the bulge using wooden blocks (hardwood) and a hammer. You may need a helper to hold the blocks. If you remove the rivet carefully you shouldn't damage the hole. Then set another rivet. Possibly practice on some scrap first.

If this is the worst thing that happens when building consider yourself fortunate.
 
If it was me, I'd probably remove the rivet for inspection, gently "tap" the area to make it flatter and then re-install the rivet. The head of the rivet is so mashed that any tension on it would likely shear it off anyway (I know it "probably" loaded in shear). I would also send the pics to Van's engineering just to get their blessing, after all we are talking about the rear spar here. Damage to the spars should not be taken lightly.
 
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