N184JP Build Log- Time to Circumsize my RV-8
October 31, 2009 by Sandy
Filed under My RV-8 Project & Building Log, Sandy's RV Aircraft Files
Today I removed the foreskins from my RV-8A fuse in preparation to re-install new foreskins. Now that I have your attention…
Here I am drilling out the rivest to get the side skins off. I like to use a slightly undersized drill when doing this so as to minimize chance of buggering up the hole. (Click to enlarge)
Actually the process of converting the RV-8A to an -8 starts by removing the firewall, foreward left, right and bottom skins. Because the previous owner thought ahead, he stopped before riveting everything together and used just enough rivets to make the fuselage sturdy for handling like moving around the shop.
I only had to remove a total of about 70 rivets and some AN hardware and the whole process took about an hour.
Next step will be remove the needed parts from the old skins (misc. brackets, nut plates & hardware I can re-use, etc.) and re-rivet onto new skins, dimple the new skins, twist and drill the new bottom aluminum angles, then simply re-install the three skins and firewall.
Everything off with only the two top longerons exposed and spar section. Notice to the left on the floor the old skins, and to the right on the floor the new skins (Click to enlarge)
After that, install the gear towers and bottom cooling panels.
Once I get the towers in it’s time get’r on her legs and install the tailwheel.
Stay tuned!
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