Today I started removal of the damaged F-776 center bottom skin. I had hoped to have that task done by the time the new one arrived, but I had to work late some this week, and the new skin arrived a couple of days earlier than I expected it.
Karen helped me turn the center fuselage right side up so I could cleco in the seat and baggage floors so the structure would hold its shape once the bottom skin is removed, then helped me turn it back over the drilling. I center punched all 326 rivets, then went back and started drilling. I got through one baggage rib before it was time to head for the airport to give a new friend a ride in the 170. In a glass-half-full sort of way, I'm calling this forward progress.
Rivets Today: -19 Rivets Total: 10246
The sticker worked. The box has a scar, but he skin inside is pristine.
All rivets center punched, and one baggage rib through the initial drilling.