VariEze FastMover 23RR UPDATE:
Doing some work on 23RR getting her ready for a CI. When the previous owner updated the panel, he used a boatload of 6-32 screws, flat washers and lock nuts for everything.
Since I am the type that can “NOT” leave anything alone, and need to “Bugstriderize-it” [emoji849]. I have got to get to work.
It was my intent to use rivnuts on the panel but I discovered I can not find an extended shank 6-32 aluminum rivnut that would work on composite material that is .368” thick. So here is my “outside the box” thinking. This is where the forum will experience our local A&Ps shred me for doing this…enjoy and “your welcome”[emoji2957]
Since I decided to use the plated steel 6-32 rivnut, it was just a little longer than the material I was going through. I found that the aluminum ones would actually distort with a little pressure if I squeezed them with my thumb and forefinger because they were so small. So to take up the extra length and to help the marine two part epoxy hold. This epoxy that was designed for composite and fiberglass bond to dissimilar materials like metal, I used a circular lock washer with the locking tabs on the inside. The tangs were tight enough that I have to use my thumbs to push them onto the shaft of the rivnut, making them very snug. This would also allow the epoxy to grip the washer and striations on the rivnut itself. When I pushed the rivnut in from the rear of the panel, I used a Delron(spelling) spacer, recessed aviation washer and a long 6-32 screw to hold it in place and secure from the front. This will allow me to secure the panel without having to reach into the small space with my fists of ham and hold a wee lock nut from the back. If the canard was in place, this would not even be possible.
