430 old style rivets...

[David Sbur]

I need to find some old style 430 rivets in 3/32". They are the small rivets with the large heads commonly found on our older birds.

I'm working on a stabilizer rebuilding project on a C-140. The original rivets are 3/32" with large heads (say around 1/4"). I can aproximate the head size with standard modern 470 rivets (1/8") but the smallest they come in are 1/8". Not a big deal to drill out all my rivet holes to 1/8" except I've got some serious internal curves and places where bucking the smaller diameter rivet would be prefered. The larger 1/8" rivets would be more problematic and I just know I'd screw up a bunch in some of the places I have to get to (Probably a good reason they used the smaller diameter/large head rivets in the first place I guess).

Sources I've checked so far that claim to have them really don't, so I'm looking for that lone mechanic that can sell me an ounce or so. Grip needed for only 2-3 sheets of .020. Anyone out there know what I"m talking about and can direct me? Thanks!

[GAHorn]

I have a mfr. contact I'll email you.
If no luck, you might consider oversize shank rivets such as those offered by Genuine Aircraft Hardware. 888-247-2738 They have standard sized heads and come in 7/64 (actual dia: .109). They use a #33 drill.

[n1410d]

This company carries the Rivets you want:

Guardian Rivet & Fastener
35 Carlough Road, Unit 1A
Bohemia, NY 11716
Toll-Free: (800) 865-3687
Phone: (631) 585-4400
Fax: (631) 585-4683
Email: guardianr@aol.com

You will also need the proper AN430 rivet set to drive these rivets. A universal set will flatten the head if you try to make it work. Here is a link to purchase the rivet sets:

http://www.ustool.com/usstore.asp?WCI=wciSearch

I may have some AN430 3AD rivets in my collection. I will look for them and let you know if I come up with any.

Patrick
N1410D
Grand Prairie TX (GPM)

[David Sbur]

Patrick,

I have a fellow 140 rebuilder who suggested the AN455 rivets, which are a brazier head. THis is just to get the right diameter head size. The old 430's sound like the better deal and I think I have the right set for them, will have to experiment. That said, the existing rivets on the opposite side seem to have some sort of flattening, they kinda look like a universal (for 1946?).

Bottom line is I have to match the diameter first to keep the 'look' and balance right. Round, Brazier, or Universal I guess is secondary for now.

Thanks for the lead on the 430's. -3's would be useful, -2's are probably what would be used most. We can cut 3's down easily. Need maybe 1-1.5 ounces tops., only rebuilding one side of the stab.

Thanks in advance!