August 5, 2007 - Static Ports
I started on the Static Port system today.  First I drilled #30 holes for the pop-rivet on each side per drawing #28.  Then I installed the pop-rivet.  Thanks to the Vans Air Force forums, I knew not to squeeze the pop-rivet until the shank was cut.  I squeezed it until the rivet was tight, then stopped.  Then I removed the mandrel.  I had to use the dremel cutting tool to shave off a little bit of the inboard protrusion so I could get the mandrel out.

Some builders are outraged that Vans uses pop-rivets for the static ports.  (Probably the same ones who complain that Oshkosh is too commercial or that the Bratwursts there cost too much).  But this isn't your typical LP4-3 pop-rivet.  It actually looks pretty good.  And, of course, it works. 
Next I installed the 1/8" id tubing from the pop-rivet up and around the bulkhead.  I heated the tube end with the heat gun to get it to go over the rivet end.  Then I put Permatex RTV Silicon adhesive around the tube and rivet end.  I used plastic ties to secure the tubing to the bulkhead.  The ties went through #30 holes I had drilled eons ago. 
A Vans-supplied plastic tee will go between the two tube ends.  However, I need to buy some 3/6" id tubing to link them. 
 
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