QUestion on installing side windows

[learaviator]

Would it be a problem to install the side windows with screws and nuts? Meaning the windows in the rear of my 170A, not the door windows.

[DaveF]

I installed the aft side windows and back window on a 210 with screws and nuts. Windshield too, but with rivnuts. It's always seemed wrong to me that Cessna made it so hard to replace the glass.

My only piece of advice is to use cad-plate screws if the airplane is going to be painted, because stainless doesn't take paint well.


Dave

[n2582d]

Here's what Cessna says about installing the lower windshield retaining lip:

screws vs rivets.jpg

Attaching the side window retaining ring is not structural. I don't think the FAA would have any problem with substituting screws in place of rivets. But why? To buck the rivet or tighten the nut you will need a second person and access to the inside ring.

Moderator note: I increased the size of Gary's jpg. Thou now blurry I was unable to read it at the size it was. Bruce

[jon s blocker]

I have put in rear windows both ways. Screws and nuts are the way to go. You don't need two people to do that project either way. I would also suggest using one size thicker plexiglas than what was original. Jon

[GAHorn]

I have put in rear windows both ways. ...Jon

But you know, Jon, .... I think it looks better with the nuts on the INSIDE of the fuselage.

[learaviator]

I appreciate it, screws and nuts it is....................with the nuts on the inside...............

[jon s blocker]

The good thing was I didn't get them in backwards! If you put the right one on the left side and the left one on the right side, when you are looking out, are you really looking in? Jon

[DaveF]

If you're going to install rivnuts for the windshield retainer, use the smallest allowable size screw. The holes in my windshield retainer had been enlarged over the years by repeated drilling, but rather than replacing it I used number 8 screws. Trouble is, number 8 rivnuts are quite a bit stiffer than 6s, and by the time I was done I had a worn-out rivnut installation tool and a very sore set of hands.