Lift strut fuselage attatch points

[ace19n]

I am replacing lift struts on a 1940 BL-65. The bolt holes at the fuselage attatch points are elongated. Both sides are like this and they do not appear to be elongated by wear. The bolt holes elongate fore and aft. They look like that they were machined that way. Is this normal for the T-craft?

[Robert Lees]

Re: Lift strut fuselage attatch points

Can you get a photo?

[ace19n]

Re: Lift strut fuselage attatch points

I took several pictures but hard to see., after closer inspection, only the forward attatch points are oval, the middle and aft are round.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Lift strut fuselage attatch points

That is not normal , they were probably not machined, you are lucky things did not come apart.

[ace19n]

Re: Lift strut fuselage attatch points

Thanks for the info, now to plan B.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Lift strut fuselage attatch points

Plan B's are good.... IF the metal is still very good have a good welder look and have a plan from a good A&P ; IA ; this all may be the same person...
Weld a washer, re drill and ream, heat the whole area with a big budd .
Or drill, ream, put bushing in place, new bolt, measure two or three times!!!

[ace19n]

Re: Lift strut fuselage attatch points

Just what my I.A./A&P Father told me. I will keep you informed...........Thanks