2017 F15A Starting over

[sth65pac]

The Car Carrier had to pick up a vehicle I had sold. Opportunity of an afternoon off from work.... so make hay while the sun shines. Four rivets were holding me back. A new drill bit and some steady pressure made quick work.

As you can see its a waaaaay bit bent. The two re-enforcing plates are also bent so four more rivets and I'll get them out and press them straight I guess.

Hardest was the spring bracket ones as I couldnt get the drill 100% straight. By the look of the rivet holes it was the same in 1942.

I really didnt think that there was that much distortion in the section until I laid it next to the new one.. almost 2".

The new piece is about 1/2" wider so I can trim it to the correct width after confirming my measurements.

I'll mark up all of the holes and use a drill press to set them straight. Oh and I will note ALLLLLL the measurements and make a proper drawing for the future.

Cheers,

Ia

[sth65pac]

You can see the distortion and this is after I put in my press to get it straight enough to take the measurements.

Cheers,

Ian

[sth65pac]

Having a small window I'll try and post the measurements.

These are off the original part, so not symmetrical. One wonders what they were doing in 1942!!

Agree or not, these are from the cross member transposed to a new piece.

Cheers,

Ian

[Ron King]

I had a visitor walk into my workshop today.
He used my ancient radial arm drill, and left it in a much cleaner condition than he found it......he is such a nice bloke.


DSCN0268 by john smith, on Flickr

DSCN0269 by john smith, on Flickr

[Mike K]

If you need some tips on how to hot rivet the replacement cross member in, ask aj.lec ( Andrew) he is a wizz on the riveting

[sth65pac]

Been busy with a myriad of life items so progress has slowed a little.

My engine mounts arrived and some other parts,=. But we're in the crossmember so here goes.

I spent a bit of time straightening the reinforcing plates in my press. A fair bit of work and about an hour each. The results speak for themselves.

[sth65pac]

Well I arrived around 10:00 and Ron showed me his 'small' drill press and the smaller version out of picture.
After a quick brief Ron leaped out to his Alvis not to be seen again for some time. I was left to my own devices and after drilling all of the pilot holes I set to task.

The results are just brilliant and I had to check all my lines about five times in disbelief I was making a reproduction part for my truck that was exact. (error by manufacturer and all ).

It look great and thanks Ron for the use of the drill.

More on riveting soon.

Cheers,

Ian