The International Cessna 170 Association

At the shop we are replacing flap tracks on a 172 which would be the same as a 170B. Drilling all the bucked rivets and removing the flap well skin is only time consuming. Replacing the skin and bucking all the rivets after the new flat tracks are installed is another matter.

What is the sequence to follow to allow a hand to get into all the rivets to allow bucking? Initially we thought we bucked the bottom row with the skin dangling to allow access to the back for the bucking bar and work our way up to the top. Problem is, once the bottom of the skin is attached, one can't slip the skin over the installed flap tracks.

Any tips?

I believe a call direct to Del Lehmann in Mena is the best advice I can offer.

GAHorn wrote:I believe a call direct to Del Lehmann in Mena is the best advice I can offer.

Yes, I sen't him an email and he responded. This is quite the puzzle. How did Cessna do it.

I'm not in charge of the project. I'm afraid it will ultimately involve lots of Cherry Max rivets.