Rib stitching wings with stamped ribs. Postwar. BC12-D...

[JohnSoar]

Fokls, what is the hot ticket regarding the attachment of the wing fabric on wings with stamped ribs? The Taylorcraft wire is no longer available. Rib stitching seems like the best option.
If rib stitching is used, what is used to prevent the rib lacing cord from being abraded by the edges of the ribs? Is there a 337 form that one can use for approved data for this change, which
might be a minor alteration. Thank you for any input.

[N96337]

According to my FSDO, minor alteration. Anti-chafe tape over the sharp edge, and I usually run a bit of sand paper over that edge first, just to make it that much better. There'll be some that scream about it, but it's been done for years and no problems. There is also an old STC for screws, that I believe Tim has in the technical section here. If not, I have a copy of it.
John

[Scott]

What John said.
remember the factory rib stitched the ailerons and all the tail feathers. No anti chafe tape was used and there are no ADs service letters, no NTSB or any other published record of damaged lacing.

There are a couple of places near the leading and trailing edges that had wire, but it's not possible to stitch all the way around the rib. Prepare these areas before cover so they can be stitched as a rib cap per AC43.13 ie through the lightening or other holes.

Also don't pull too hard on the lacing as you can flex the rib flange which will leave it looking bent.

S