The International Cessna^® 170 Association

Does anyone have suggestions for bucking the outboard rivets during replacement of the boarding steps?

To elaborate, the step runs through the outer skin of the fuselage, and bolts through the edge of the seat rail. Where the step penetrates the fuselage skin, the step itself has a wide flange welded on which fits flush with the fuselage skin. There are rivets going through this flange and the fuselage skin. The inboard set of rivets are fairly easy, they come through the stringer inside the skin, and are angled slightly away from the step. It's the ones on the outboard side that are confounding, they angle in towards the step itself, are hidden on the other side of the step, and it's a hard reach through the inspection hole.

Is there a specific bucking tool that is used for this?
Chris

It's called a cherry max rivet

FWIW, years ago when I converted my C182 to a C180, I dealt with that very issue by using structural bolts and nuts. It worked out very well.

I used structural screws with washer and nut inside fuselage on my 170. It took time and patience to start several of the nuts.

I too think AN525 screws are the easiest way too go. But, if you want to pay for postage both ways you are welcome to borrow this bucking bar.

As Tom mentioned, I cheated and used Cherry max rivets

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Two or three years ago I had to remove both of my boardingsteps due to cracks in a previous owner's welding job where the step portion meets the step strut. I went back with cherry max rivets and have had no problems since. My IA said neither of us had the patience or the will to torture our arms to buck the rivets.

Thanks guys I'm looking at the options and talking to my mechanic as well. I confess I'm a bit stuck on the idea of using solid rivets for the look, but I suppose no one looks down there anyway.

2582D I may take you up on your offer. My mech said to come over and look at this collection of bucking bars, and that AN screws would probably be ok for this application.
Chris

How difficult are the CherryMax rivets to remove? I have no experience with them at this point. One of my concerns is that I'm a bit chunky and I may need to replace this again before I get a new plane
Chris