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**VictorBravo** · 09-20-2007, 00:29

Re: Spar pic photo trial

What you gonnna do about that big crack in your spar???

**mhorowit** · 09-20-2007, 02:52

Re: Spar pic photo trial

Originally posted by Howard Wilson View Post

Picture is of left wing, rear spar, butt top. Comments? 1st photo upload attempt. We'll see..................

How far does it extend? can you use a reinforcement plate?
I'm sorry it's no consolation, but this must have been one of the things Rob Lees was talking about as not being an inspectable part during a pre-buy.
Anyone know if this type of crack is due to a horizontal force applied to the tip (as in sharing a hanger with too many other aircraft)? - MikeH

**Howard Wilson** · 09-20-2007, 05:44

Re: Spar pic photo trial

Originally posted by VictorBravo View Post

What you gonnna do about that big crack in your spar???

Going up to look at a project for sale on Saturday. Hope it's wings are in better shape............Hey, that's a 15 rib ship! If I replace the one wing that'll take my gross weight up from 1100 to let's see 1200#-50#, hmmmm1150# Yeah that's the ticket

Seriously, Will delve into the 43-13 when I get a chance and see what that says. The crack extends from the end about half way to the butt rib on top, and comes out below the fitting and runs under the clear dope on the butt end, maybe an inch...got some scrapin' and thinnin' to do. Almost looks like delamination between two pieces... more later.

**Howard Wilson** · 09-20-2007, 06:06

Re: Spar pic photo trial

Originally posted by mhorowit View Post

How far does it extend? can you use a reinforcement plate?
I'm sorry it's no consolation, but this must have been one of the things Rob Lees was talking about as not being an inspectable part during a pre-buy.
Anyone know if this type of crack is due to a horizontal force applied to the tip (as in sharing a hanger with too many other aircraft)? - MikeH

Hi Mike, Answered some of your question in reply to Bill.
This is a very inspectable place! Just remove the top fairings between the wing and fuselage. Always took the bottom fairings off and looked, used mirrors to look over the top. (Not any more, I'll take the extra 15 minutes). I have looked at it a couple of times over the last 4 1/2 years. It has had annuals done by 4 different IA's, I'm an a&p and we didn't SEE this. LOOKED but didn't SEE!! Now, there have been two hot dry summers here in MD. The hangars where the plane was kept were hot. I noticed that the dope was starting to get hairline cracks along the fuselage formers and edges. All this to say that it may not have been as obvious the last time we looked. Far as I know there was no significant hangar rash when it was in the shared hangar.

**Larry Lyons** · 09-20-2007, 06:26

Re: Spar pic photo trial

Not an expert here but I was just looking at the book last night. No cracks under any wing attach points! Spar or struts. I do have a question though. I was looking for what is aceptable as far as grain (ring count per inch), could find nothing. i know it there but did not find it.

Larry

**Buell Powell** · 09-20-2007, 06:28

Re: Spar pic photo trial

Hi Howard,
It looks like a good time to restore the wings to me. If you haven't done this it's really not all that hard to do and the materials aren't that expensive-it just takes quiet a bit of time.Aircraft Spruce can supply the spar blanks in the correct thickness and width- and the plywood for the doublers you just have to trim the tip ends and use the old one for a pattern for the holes. You will probably see all kinds of stuff that you will want to do while you have them apart but it's really nice to end up with a restored pair of wings. By the way-did you get in touch with Paul?
Buell

**1938BF50** · 09-20-2007, 06:56

Re: Spar pic photo trial

Spotter....

I THINK it is 8-12 rings per inch. Just as important is that the end grain qualifies as vertical.

**Howard Wilson** · 09-20-2007, 07:09

Re: Spar pic photo trial

Hi Buell,
Yup, rebuilding is an option that I'm considering.

And with all of the patches from rib stitch replacement, it's not pretty! Thanks for the heads up on Aircraft Spruce having the blanks. The other wing was done in 1997 and is in good shape. And if I rebuild it I'll have two polyfiber wings!
Those numbers for Paul aren't working for me... I'm going up to look at a project
near here this Saturday, it may have a good engine and wings. hmmm