Looked at a T-18 the other day and on the
center wing section the main spar rivets were
smoking really bad on the bottom of the wing
and a little on top.
What's going on here?
Dave
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| Author: | d.grimm [ Sat Apr 06, 2013 8:42 am ] | ||
| Post subject: | Rivet Smoking | ||
Looked at a T-18 the other day and on the center wing section the main spar rivets were smoking really bad on the bottom of the wing and a little on top. What's going on here? Dave
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| Author: | SHIPCHIEF [ Sat Apr 06, 2013 10:05 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Rivet Smoking |
When I was shopping for a T-18, I did see one with smoking rivets on the bottom of the center section and out under the wings. It had the old original rivet call -out. If you use this forum's search function and use the words spar rivets or other similar terms, you can get a lot of info that might help. I was looking for a T-18 that could quickly be brought up to flight worthy condition, as I'm building an RV-8. Drilling out a bunch of smoking main spar rivets and laying out supplemental rows of rivets, drilling, countersinking and riveting in new was more than I felt up to doing. Thierry, our Canadian contributor seems to enjoy this, and shares his craftsmanship regularly with the forum. Perhaps he can shed some light on it. But mostly, I think you should want to do it, and look forward to the challenge, or let it go. |
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| Author: | Rich Brazell [ Sat Apr 06, 2013 11:08 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Rivet Smoking |
This topic appears from time to time and there is a LOT of info as suggested if you search the Forum . RB 
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| Author: | d.grimm [ Sat Apr 06, 2013 11:59 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Rivet Smoking |
I did use the checklist provided here and the leading edge ribs only have twelve rivets on the top. Was the additional row of spar rivets a mod that was incorporated At the same time. How do I get a hold of the newsletters? I don't have a set of plans, is that something I should purchase prior to buying? I would think most airframes would include the Plans they were built from. Is there a plans serial number list that shows the block point changes? Thanks, Dave |
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| Author: | stevehawley [ Sat Apr 06, 2013 4:25 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Rivet Smoking |
When anyone buys a set of plans the are authorized to build one airplane. There is no valid reason to keep the plans when the builder sells the plane. If the seller does not have the set of plans to go with the airplane, I would walk away. I have built three homebuilts and have never bought one. I suggest you hire a VERY experienced T-18 builder to inspect any proposed purchase prior to buying. Steve Hawley |
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| Author: | d.grimm [ Sat Apr 06, 2013 5:24 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Rivet Smoking |
Steve, I have some experience maintaining and repairing aircraft. I also have enough experience to ask when I don't know something, and there appears to be a lot of really experienced Thorp builders/owners here. I appreciate everyone's time, just trying To get a little smarter. Dave |
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| Author: | Rich Brazell [ Sat Apr 06, 2013 9:23 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Rivet Smoking |
The center wing section gets a lot of "stress/flex" from folks walking on it to get into the AC possibly causing the "smoking gun"...IMHO . To help beef up the center section it was recommended to add an additional rivet between the current nose rib rivets . I also did it on the outer wing nose ribs (easy to due in the building stage) . The other additional fix was to add a second row of rivets to the main spar on the center section (also easy to due in the building stage) . It is also possible the original rivets were not set properly causing them to "work loose" . If you don't want to add the additional rivets you can drill out the "smoking rivets" and replace them with Cherry Max rivets . I am not an Engineer so my opinion is just that...toot, toot !  RB
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| Author: | Pacer 20 [ Sun Apr 07, 2013 12:10 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Rivet Smoking |
Hi. For my it's a no go. If you push with your finger on the skin around the rivet head and the skin was loose it's not good. Cherry max is a fast solution, Just a band aid for a period of time. And after all removing flush cherry max is a lot of work. My 2 cents: removing the outer section wings, inspect the inside centre section via the aileron bell rank hole and after that made some work decision. For me this a real problem. Thorp expert or not aluminium structural skin design is the same for all the small plane, but for this kind of aircraft 160mph average speed you have to take the time to repair that. |
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| Author: | d.grimm [ Sun Apr 07, 2013 7:50 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Rivet Smoking |
Thierry, Thanks, I was coming to that conclusion also. I'll keep looking. Dave |
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| Author: | dickwolff [ Sun Apr 07, 2013 8:20 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Rivet Smoking |
The standard Thorpaircommand.com party line: "They all smoke." |
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| Author: | Pacer 20 [ Sun Apr 07, 2013 8:35 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Rivet Smoking |
This is my center section. Some rivet was smoke after 230hrs flight time. Dosen't mather I have to rebuilt this section entirely.  Maybe when I rebuilt the center section I put standard rivet (not flush) on the spar. I think this way eliminate the problem. I have to study this avenue! |
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