RT Fairing

[Bob Distelcamp]

Hello, I have another question, How do you compress the rivet for the windshield gasket, dash and fairing?
Also what is the best way to drill out the old rivet?


Thanks Bob D

[moore84rs]

Drilling out rivets: think of it as drilling off one end of the rivet. it is really a tube that is flared on both ends.
If you use a larger drill, or counter sink, to cut one flare away; it is better than a smaller drill which may just enter
and spin the rivet.

The tool to compress is basically a bolt, nut, and thick, shaped "washers" which crush the end of the rivet to flare
it.

[PAS]

Most likely they will spin if you try and drill them. Try and crush them then push them thru. They are soft and thin.

[Jeff in W.C.]

Most likely they will spin if you try and drill them. Try and crush them then push them thru. They are soft and thin.

I was able to drill some of them out, but yes some did spin. Use light pressure and go slow if you try to drill them out. At least that was my experience.

[Duane Ausherman]

We found that tilting the drill bit at an angle would often stop the spinning.

[Ken in Oklahoma]

I've got another idea that (admittedly) I haven't tried yet on the fairing rivets. The problem with a standard two flute drill bit is that it easily catches the rivets. My tool of choice would be either a countersink tool, with at least 3 flutes, or better yet a rotary metal cutting file, preferably with a cone shaped tip.

Most drill motors nowadays are variable speed. Remember what non-variable drill motors were like? It's as if they were intended to bite in an uncontrolled/uncontrollable manner.

Ken

[Bob Distelcamp]

I did it!
I first removed the windshield,, Then I tried to drill out the rivets. I used a eggbeater drill so not to over
drill. the rivets started to spin. So I pulled the gasket off and found that I could crush the rivets with a needle nose
pliers. I then lined up the gasket, Dash and fairing holes put in the new rivets. I have not figured out how I'm going
to crimp or flair the rivets yet. but I'm almost there.

Thanks Bob D

[SteveD]

A countersunk bolt tightened in situ will flare the copper. Remove, repeat. It works well.

[Jeff in W.C.]

I used the countersunk bolt/nut to crush mine and it worked well.

[ME 109]

I wouldn't recommend using a 16mm drill bit.