Wing Tear-down

[gmackay]

All,
After owning a BC12D project for six months I finally have started to work on it. I finally got the wings and engine off and have it in my basement where I can work on it. I have the fabric off the wings and have found several cracks and other problems (wood crushed under the washers, deteriorated wood, etc) I'm about ready to disassemble the wing.

My question (or one of many) is "any recommendations on disassembly"? What's the best way to remove the nails without damaging the ribs? (stamped ribs) Or should I drill out the rivets first (I assume the 3-piece rib should be disassembled).

I do plan on leaving the one wing complete as a pattern, but any other recommendations would be appreciated. - Greg

[mulwyk]

Re: Wing Tear-down

Greg:
I drilled out the rivets first, then took out the tiny nails.

I jammed a putty knife between the aluminum flange of the rib and the wood spar, tilted up slightly until the nail head stayed about 1/8 inch above the rib flange. Then I removed the nail the rest of the way with a wire cutter pliers. Don't cut the nail, just get the cutter around the head and then rock back, the little nail comes right out.

Hardest part for me was getting those damn rusty little screws outta the leading edge.

See: journals.aol.com/mulwyk1/taylorcraftproject/

Bob Gustafson

[gmackay]

Re: Wing Tear-down

Really like your web site! Any help is appreciated.

I'm almost finished with disassembling the first wing. The leading edge wasn't bad on mine, but the nails are a pain. They won't separate from the rib very easily, but I'm getting them one by one. Need to order etch, alodine, primer, etc now. - Greg

[gmackay]

Re: Wing Tear-down

While disassembling one wing, I noticed that not all the rib flanges (stamped rib) face the same direction. Some face inboard and some out. The other wing is similar, but different ribs are facing in/out. Is there a reason for this, or maybe some ribs have been replaced from opposite wing???

[mulwyk]

Re: Wing Tear-down

Greg:

They're supposed to be like that. I labeled mine with little pieces of masking tape and a felt tip marker. I always put the tape on the inboard side of the rib (facing the butt end of the wing) as I took the ribs off the spar. That way I was able to get them all back on faceing the right way.

Be careful when you re-assemble the center rib sections. They are almost symmetrical and I put a couple on upside down before I realized. I had to take them back off and nail 'em back on again. No fun!

Bob Gustafson

[gmackay]

Re: Wing Tear-down

Thanks. I labeled mine with marker and tape before the tear down, but not sure what I'll do yet when I try to strip/etch/paint, etc.

[Ray36048]

Re: Wing Tear-down

What nails are you planning to use to attach ribs? I believe the ones from Aircraft Spruce are too small in diameter.

[NC36454]

Re: Wing Tear-down

Greg,

A good digital camera would be of great value. Most digitals these days have superb resolution. If you don't have one, I'm sure there are plenty of people around you that would love to "show off" their equipment for you.

The reason I like digitals for technical work is for the fact that they can be enlarged greatly without much distortion. Another factor is that because they can be made for free (well, almost), you can make a zillion pictures of EVERYTHING! As an added bonus, when you finish your plane, you can share your work with us!

Thanks,
Ken
1941 BC12-65
W4SWK

[gmackay]

Re: Wing Tear-down

Ray,
Good question. I really have no idea what nails to use yet. I'm learning a lot each step of the way here. I will start by searching this web site, but does anyone have any recommendations?

Ken,
You're right. I've already taken over a hundred and I'm just starting! I'll be glad to share photos but it will be a while before I start putting things back together. Although if I can get a good picture of a 30" crack in one spar........that might be of some interest! - Greg