Today I continued riveting what I could (with the correct length rivets) and it was much more successful. Some things were still a slight challenge, though. I noticed that setting some rivets in the VS skeleton that the sheet metal would lift a little when squeezing the rivet down all the way. So I drilled one out, and tryed again. Same thing. A little closer inspection revealed that the act of smashing the rivet would warp the sheet just enough to lift it. The sheet was tight as could be right at the rivet, just bowed up slightly around it. No biggie, I guess... Just something to be aware of. I also was a little more critical of my crappy rivets from yesterday and re-did several more. They all look really good now.
I also riveted the electric trim to the trim access cover plate, and screwed the servo on.
Interestingly enough, it was slightly off-center even though I was very meticulous in making sure it was right beforehand. So I though to myself, "crap, maybe Vans measurements were right". I checked, and had I followed those measurements it would have been even farther off. We'll see how this works out once it all goes together. I suspect that it'll be alright, but if it's not those parts will be cheap and easy to re-do.
Finally, I dimpled the nutplates and riveted those on the trim access plate. Those things sure go on easy when you use the right length rivets! :) My DRDT-2 is supposed to ship on 2/28, so I may just wait for that to continue with the riveting, as I can't do anything with the skins yet. I'll have to make some practice riveting sheets so my lovely bucking partner (Priscilla, my wife) and I can get a little practice with the rivet gun so we don't destroy those pretty, shiny skins.. Interestingly enough, she's actually riveted before (only a couple in a class), so maybe she'll be a pro right off the bat!
