fabric retainer wire

[citabrickr]

Hi, getting ready to cover a late model wing for an F21, where do I get the correct rib wire? Thanks

John

[Robert Lees]

Re: fabric retainer wire

Hi John,

Assuming it's the same as the post-war stamped rib B model, the correct wing wire is generally unavailable, unless Forrest Barber or someone still has some NOS. Are your rib holes still circular and in good condition? If so, what happened to the wire that came out?

There are lots of threads here on the subject, but "Martin Wire" as sold by Aircraft Spruce et al is a different kettle of fish. Note the poor formation of the barb.

These days of modern wire-forming, it needs someone in the wire and/or spring industry to make a few hundred yards and pass the excess on to the tribe.

[cvavon]

Re: fabric retainer wire

John was at Dayton Oh for fly in and A man had some NOS tcraft wire he bought the leftover parts when factory went out of bus call and ask George the air port manager how to get in touch he is a regular there at the airport # at Dayton Moraine 937 866 2489 good luck Chuck

[Ray]

Re: fabric retainer wire

Dont buy the martin clip wire it does not work and I have new packages of them. The barb is not as good either look at the picks. I found the STC for either rivets or PK Screws and washers. I chose the screws because if and when someone else does this, removing the screws is easier than drilling out a rivet and possibly damaging a rib. In 20-30 years from now you may not be able to find any parts, I know I have had a time of it.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: fabric retainer wire

Anybody know the diameter and material of the original wire? I still think I could bend replacement wire on a simple jig. It would be INCREDIBLY inefficient, but when you are sitting in a chair next to your wife while she watches "Say yes to the dress" in the evening what else do you have to do? I am betting over a cold winter I could easily make a whole set for a couple of wings for the cost of the wire, a board and a hand full of finishing nails.
They made them in the 40's, there is no reason we can't make them now.
Hank

Added bonus, I get to KEEP my sanity, which would surely be lost if I actually WATCHED those idiotic wedding shows.

[T.Taylor]

Re: fabric retainer wire

I have some for my wings at the airport, I will check them tomorrow and get back - if someone doesn't beat me to it, Tom

[Robert Lees]

Re: fabric retainer wire

I left my micrometer at work, and I've got offcuts of the original wire here at home, but I would suggest that the original spec was corrosion resistant steel (CRS). When I took mine off the wings, it was in excellent condition. I would suggest, this day & age, that a stainless wire-spring spec steel would suffice. I would also think that a decent wire spring manufacturer would knock out a few miles for peanuts. The forming dies might cost a few bob.

I had a batch of trim cable springs made a few years ago, and they did not cost the earth.

Anybody know the diameter and material of the original wire? I still think I could bend replacement wire on a simple jig. It would be INCREDIBLY inefficient, but when you are sitting in a chair next to your wife while she watches "Say yes to the dress" in the evening what else do you have to do? I am betting over a cold winter I could easily make a whole set for a couple of wings for the cost of the wire, a board and a hand full of finishing nails.
They made them in the 40's, there is no reason we can't make them now.
Hank

Added bonus, I get to KEEP my sanity, which would surely be lost if I actually WATCHED those idiotic wedding shows.