Hello...Introduction

[jmajure]

I just found your website and it has been something I have been looking for for awhile. My interest is in aviation, primarily warbirds, antique/classics, and Pitts Specials. Of course, the art of building them is huge attraction to me and has been for most of my life.

I stumbled upon Ashley Briggs' thread last night and was amazed by two things: 1. His ability 2. His willingness to share.

This is apparent through out this forum of all your members. Thank you for having the foresight to do this for people, like me, who desires to learn.

[David Gardiner]

Welcome to the forum John.

[Peter Tommasini]

Hi John welcome to the forum
Peter

[luscten]

Welcome John,
Nice to have another warbird fan. If I can help you in anyway let me know. I am blessed to work on warbirds for a living.

[jmajure]

Thank you guys.

Luscten do you suggest any reference material as an aid? For example, I was just researching online about dimplers. The videos that the rv folks have posted show them using Avery dimplers for skins, ribs, etc. in preparation for rivets. My point, how do they know the pattern for each dimple? I didn't see any markings on the aluminum that would indicate to place a dimple. Didn't see them referencing blue prints either.

I am not an A&P, just a pilot that loves the art of bending metal, or working with wood. I love the history and skill necessary to fly them equally as well the knowledge and artistry required to restore them. I have a willingness to learn, with also the patience to realize that confidence and competence will not magically happen overnight.

[jmajure]

Luscten....just noticed that you're in Breckenridge. Great environment over there if you're in Mr. Ezell's shop. Love the work. Ya'll make it look easy.

Got to visit with Ladd Gardner about his dad's P-38 while it was being restored for the new owners there. Our conversation brought up Greenwood, MS and the cotton field he had to put it down in, which led to a another pig trail of folks we happen to know of involved in warbirds, etc.

Also, a dear friend of mine that once owned P-40E "Hold'n My Own" use to fly with Mr. Pardue. We both were shocked and sadden to hear of his last flight.

It's a small world.

[luscten]

It is a small world. I do work for Nelson and had fun working on the P-38. Howard's passing was very sad. I worked on him aircraft for 20 plus years. I was glad I was on vacation. As for the rivet question. When you use flush rivets to rivet a part together you either have to dimple or countersink the metal so the rivet is flush. The metal thickness dictates whether to dimple or countersink. You can look up flush riveting on Youtube or look up sheetmetal books on ebay to get a list of good sheet metal reference material. Make sure you check prices though bookfinder etc. People tend to sell books for more then you can buy them new somewhere else. If I can be of anymore help let me know.

[Oldnek]

From one John to another John.
Welcome to the forum..

Cheers John

[jmajure]

Thank you Randy and John.