Door Hinge Rivet Repair

[Robert Eilers]

The pilot side upper door hinge of my C170 is bent slightly (curved) resulting in a spring like effect when the door is closed. The curve results in force on the upper hinge rivets. One of the rivet heads has popped off. I am trying to figure out how best to replace the rivet. I would rather not have to take the door apart in order to get to the back of the rivet. Is it acceptable to replace the door hinge rivet with a cherry type rivet that can be set from the exterior side of the door? I also plan to remove the door from the hinges and attempt to straighten the curve some what. The curve almost looks like it was intentionaly set by the previous owner.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Robert I can't say for certain but I believe it would be acceptable to use a CherryMax type rivet. Check with your A&P/IA

What I can tell you is that it is possible with fore thought and careful planning and setup to massage the hinges with a press. Yo can't bent them far without creasing the hinge but it doesn't take much to make a big difference.

I've done this with both of my doors. It takes at least two people. One to hold the door and the other to slowly operate the press.

[blueldr]

Blind rivets are acceptable to repair the door hinge. This does NOT mean "pop" rivets.

[Robert Eilers]

Thanks to all the advice I repaired my door hinge rivet. But, not before entering into rivet hell. I figured, OK, I'll go out and get myself a blind rivet tool, buy some rivets, drill the old rivet out and replace it with a new one. That was before I discovered the infinite world of rivets - Q type, N Type, metal types, shank metal types, i.e, monel, aluminum, steel. If aluminum is it soft, med or hard alumnium. The there is "grip". By the time I completed the research necessary to do the job I could have written a thesis, and I am still just beginning to understand the world of rivets. I have a great appreciation for home builders.

[HA]

quote- "I have a great appreciation for home builders."

or perhaps your local A&P mechanics, who went to school for that kind of stuff