Ivan's RV-7

Started on the left wingTimer icon4h

October 18, 2025

Started working on the left wing. I also changed my approach to anti-chafing around the wing access panels.

After some discussion on VAF, I decided to change my approach with the anti-chafing caps to use standoffs instead. For that, I fabricated a standoff bracket that mounts between the two middle nutplates. A zip tie mount is attached to the bracket with a single AN470AD5 rivet (since holes in the mounts are already sized for a -5 rivet).

A standoff bracket.

To prevent wires from moving under a cable tie, I wrapped them in silicone tape. This is what it looks like when installed.

Supported wire bundle.

I also started riveting the bottom skins for the left wing. During the session, I riveted the whole inboard skin and started riveting the outboard skin as well.

Some riveting progress.

There is one specific rivet on the outboard skin that is directly against the aileron service bulletin part (a reinforcing doubler). There are probably tricks to set a solid rivet there, but instead, I just put a MK319BS rivet there.

A blind rivet in a difficult spot.