Why so many rivets?

"Matt Whiting" wrote in message
...
Ron Wanttaja wrote:
On Tue, 28 Dec 2004 20:26:00 -0600, "Brian Sponcil"

wrote:


I'm currently considering embarking on an RV project and after checking
out
a few in our local EAA chapter I ran across a seemingly curious fact. I
recall the builders telling me that their RV kits have around 10,000
rivets.
Compared to a Piper Comanche at 3,714 and a Warrior at 1,785 that's a
heck
of a lot of rivets.

So the question is, why so many???



I agree with Ron's guesses (not sure about #6 though), and will add a
7th possibility. It may be that the larger companies use more machine
formed sections (stamped, hydroformed, etc.) that can be larger and thus
have fewer seams to be riveted.


BINGO!!!