The International Cessna 170 Association

Is the fastener for the gear leg brake clip strap just a simple rivet and can I drill it off? I'm removing the legs for inspection and repaint and would like to have a look in that area. The parts book shows the fastener just don't specify what it is.



Thanks

Yes, you may drill the rivet.... but be very carefull not to allow the bit to slip and "nick" or scratch the gear leg. While removed, look at the rivet hole with a 10X magnifying glass and examine the circumference for evidence of cracking. A slight "radius" is allowed to relieve stress-cracking of that hole as well as axle bolt mounting holes.

Remember, there are 3 basic gear legs original to the 170 line. The first, the early design, are drilled all the way through the gear leg. The second, the early gear leg not drilled all the way through but dimpled. The last being the lady legs with are also only dimpled. If this is a first edition early leg the rivet may go all the way through the gear leg.

I'm assuming they are original legs and mine being a 48 without damage history they should be....but you never know. I will have a very close look prior to doing anything.

I assume they are just a soft aluminum rivet?

Thanks again

Bruce/George I checked tonight when I was working the fuel lines. It looks like a straight through rivet. I will drill it off after the fuel system is done and the PPonk goes in. Cheers