63C avionics access panel nut plate options

[phxcobraz]

Plane is in getting some new avionics done right now and we are a bit miffed as to how to best replace the back 2 nut plates(closest to windshield in center) for the center cover section. They have been broken for some time and we had previously just put some nuts on the bottom, with a normal machine screw in place. This makes it pretty difficult to disassemble and reassemble, takes 2 people usually.

Anyone had success with options here?

See image below

[N201MKTurbo]

I would drill out the rivets holding that center bracket in place, remove the bracket, replace the nut plates and replace them then rivet it back in.

I would probably make a new bracket without the antenna hole in it.

[phxcobraz]

40 minutes ago, N201MKTurbo said:

I would drill out the rivets holding that center bracket in place, remove the bracket, replace the nut plates and replace them then rivet it back in.

I would probably make a new bracket without the antenna hole in it.

I will have to look, I can't say I saw the rivets holding it in at either end, but they could just be painted over, that might be the easiest and cleanest way to do it.

[phxcobraz]

24 minutes ago, bluehighwayflyer said:

I’m not saying it’s ideal, but a couple rivnuts would probably suffice.  

I thought about rivnuts too, we would probably have to drill the holes out larger the fit in a rivnut.

[phxcobraz]

Yep center section was easy to take out. Thx @N201MKTurbo

[TaildraggerPilot]

Is it really that easy to get the reinforcement structure / crossmember out to replace the impossible-to-get-to rear nutplate?

[RangerM20]

I did one of these on my C model.  I located a nutplate with the screw, drilled from the bottom up, countersunk the hole through both of the layers, then riveted it in.  I didn't take anything apart.

[Aerodon]

I use click bonds in places like that.  clean the inside surface well with a small scotchbrite pad and then epoxy in.  These come with the epoxy, but I have successfully used JB weld 'steel' slow drying epoxy.  5000psi if you mix it properly.

If you get stuck finding nut plates in small quantities send me a PM.

Aerodon