how far from the edge are the rivets...???

[mikeschn]

When skinning a trailer in aluminum, using rivets or screws... how far from the edge are the rivets...???

Oh yea, how far apart are the rivets, vertically?





Mike...

[Ageless]

EDGE DISTANCE.—The edge distance for all rivets, except those with a flush head, should not be less than twice the diameter of the rivet shank nor more than four times the diameter of the rivet shank. Flush-head rivets require an edge distance of at least 2 1/2 times the diameter. If rivets are placed to close to the edge of the sheet, the sheet is apt to crack or pull away from the rivets. If they are placed too far away from the edge, the sheet is apt to turn up at the edge.

I can't comment on spacing since I only worked on really big airplanes (747)

[mikeschn]

Good information. Is this information from the depths of the Boeing world?

So for an 1/8" rivet, we are looking from 1/4 to 1/2" from the edge. So if I target 3/8", is 3/4" a good overlap to use on the aluminum sheets?

Thanks,

Mike...

[Ageless]

The distance is for a sealing edge. On the pic you showed, there is a trim cap that seals the edge. For trailer use you could likely overlap 1/2" with the rivets centered. The diameter of the rivet should be equal to or greater than the thickest piece of material.

The info about edge spacing is MilSpec

[mikeschn]

Kewl! Thanks!!!

Mike...

[Carter]

OK Mike, what you have in mind?

[mikeschn]

Well Carter,

I thought you were reading my mind?

I thought you'd build an aluminum chassis, with aluminum wall framing for me! Then I'll screw on some aluminum sides, and voila!

Mike...

P.S. Don't tell me you're backing out now...

[Carter]

I don't weld Aluminum...........although there is an aluminum gun available for my machine. As Mad Jack might say "the proper application of" steel might work just fine.

Jim