"access holes in the lower skin". Thanks, but, the rod sits behind the rear spar, in cased in false ribs, between both wing skins [boxed]. Could anyone point out just which of the remaining access panels are capable to allow this removal and a clean reinstallment for this rod, 'cause I just don't see it. W.S.162 is an aileron control channel that on the inboard half has a lightning hole. The [sandwched] outboard half is un-cut; no lightning hole, sold rivets. Both wings match this construction. I might add, this airframe is an M337. An original O-2A from '67. If this "lightning hole" existed at W.S. 162 on both halves, you probably would never had heard from me. And like skymstr02, ours was subject to the same improper use of a longer s/m screw installed in the wrong place. If I where you, I'd be now checking my panel screws very carefully for a similar costly screw-up.
All of your resonses are appreciated and welcome. Thanks again in advance. Ed.