Things to look for , when rebuilding wings

[TimHicks]

Re: Things to look for , when rebuilding wings

The picture below of the broom-handle pieces that I found in my wing (between the butt-rib and the wing tank) are just a reminder to look out for any questionable work that may have been done in the years between the factory and your ownership.
Also, the 1/16" plywood reinforcing plates beneath the aileron hinge hardware (on the aileron spar) just fell off when the hardware was removed. I cleaned up the area and glued on new plywood.

[skip]

Re: Things to look for , when rebuilding wings

Tim,

Looking at picture #2, it also looks like the 3/8 channel angle renforcements are corroded on the ends. This seems to be a fairly universal problem as any water that bypasses the drain holes in the fabric pools in the aluminum trailing edge and corrodes these steel pieces badly. Since the channel is readily available, i just made new ones.

I have seen additional drain holes poked in the very rear of the trailing edge in (I guess) an attempt to clear this water pooling tendency.

Skip Egdorf
TF 895
N34237

[TimHicks]

Re: Things to look for , when rebuilding wings

Right. I replaced all of the 3/8" channel in my wings. These pictures are about two years old. My wings are all back together, ready to cover. My ailerons are covered already.

[M Towsley]

Re: Things to look for , when rebuilding wings

Well, Tim, at least they padded the ends of the broom handle. That almost looks like closet clothes rod. Well, whatever is hanging around the work area apparently gets used.

[astjp2]

Re: Things to look for , when rebuilding wings

Drive/fly down to Wolf Lake and talk to Larry Draveling. He has a wing on the wall you can look at. Tim

[Ak tcraft]

Re: Things to look for , when rebuilding wings

Well it's slow progress , but it's progress. Spars failed and thus have been replaced and installed. Wing tanks were repaired and installed. Now replacing the aileron spars. Will fabric next month. Thanks again for all the info, would post photos but having a hard time figuring out how to do it on this site.

[Leenicklas]

Re: Things to look for , when rebuilding wings

I'm rebuilding my '46 bc12D wing. Please elucidate. What is the "removable aluminum cover"

[Pearson]

Re: Things to look for , when rebuilding wings

If you go to this webpage http://taylorcraft.org/resources.html#337_STC_data and scroll down to "wings" on the left side, there are 7 pages of a 337 I did where I replaced the fabric over the wing tanks with sheet aluminum.

[Leenicklas]

Re: Things to look for , when rebuilding wings

I have a set of original wing spars for sale. They have never been spliced; there is a little "varmint" chewing about 18' in from the tip end of rear spar. I can send pics.

[Leenicklas]

Re: Things to look for , when rebuilding wings

Did I see a post a couple of days ago for someone looking for a used serviceable spar?

[M Towsley]

Re: Things to look for , when rebuilding wings

Lee,

Yes there was a post a day or two ago but it looks like it was pulled. I searched for it but couldn't find it.

[Miguel]

Re: Things to look for , when rebuilding wings

I have a set of original wing spars for sale. They have never been spliced; there is a little "varmint" chewing about 18' in from the tip end of rear spar. I can send pics.

Hi,
Can do you inform me a about thick and width of front and rear spars?
Many thanks and best regards.
Miguel.

[Mike S]

Re: Things to look for , when rebuilding wings

Check the pitot line from the tube to the wing root (then check it several more times). It is a BEAR to replace once the covering is on. Some planes have a tube and the line runs through it from the jury strut to the root for easy replacement...my next one will!)

I can believe that it is a bear to replace with the covering on, Hank, does anyone have suggestions for the best way to replace the pitot line with wing fabric intact? Alternate routing?

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Things to look for , when rebuilding wings

I used the "old method" to re run an aileron cable in the 41. You guessed it, when the cables were tensioned there was one rib stitch on the wrong side of the cable. !#%&(!#&%!(&(! What I did was go in through some newly cut access holes and use a long set of forceps to to pull a length of kite string parallel to the cable except where it rubbed the stitch. Then slack the cable and tension the string to check if the string was clear the full length. It was so I pulled the cable out and used the string to pull it back in place. Another tension inspection (much easier not with all those inspection holes opened up).

You should be able to do the same with your pitot line. Just need two people with LOOOOONG forceps passing the string down the wing from hole to hole. I got a cheap bore scope I could slide in that helped a lot. The shiny forceps were pretty easy to see reflecting light in there. I wouldn't try to pass the line itself. A string was pretty easy to pass.

Hank

For the 45 I am very tempted to use a piece of the thin wall light weight PVC conduit put in before the wing is covered, but am sure all the A&Ps and IAs will be ready to chime in on legalities here along with my IA. ;-)

[Mike S]

Re: Things to look for , when rebuilding wings

I might try to cut off the old tube coming out from the wing with a Dremel tool or such and then go from there. Hopefully, I can get it cut out enough to allow room for new tubing--without damaging the fabric.