wing rib coatings

[KTW]

What did the factory use on stamped wing rib for corrosion protection. thinned zinc cromate or alodine.greenish color is brushed on assembly of ailerons also.

[Robert Lees]

Re: wing rib coatings

They didn't use anything in 1946. Remember, back then it wasn't expected that in 60 years we would be asking these questions.

So if your ribs are other than rather corroded bare aluminium, someone else has painted them in the meantime. And if it's not in the logbook.............

[KTW]

Re: wing rib coatings

Green zinc cromate is on other wings and ribs other than mine. Took apart ailerons and it (zinc-varnish) is under leading edges. Can anyone verify if done at factory.What is mixture?

[mulwyk]

Re: wing rib coatings

It was once standard practice to give the wood spars a coat of varnish when recovering the wings. My project had varnish on the aluminum ribs 4 to 6 inches either side of the spars. Just sloppy varnish application, I guess. But if someone wanted to do a better job they might very well coat everything with varnish.

[KTW]

Re: wing rib coatings

Has anyone tried plastic media blasting on aluminum parts. If so how does it work.

[Robert Lees]

Re: wing rib coatings

Yes, and it still distorts the thin parts.