In search of original wing wire clips

[taylorcraft_52]

It appears that the last time my plane was recovered they used screws instead of wire clips on the ribs. I would prefer to return to the original wire clips but don't have the material. I've heard of at least one member here (drude) that had some extra in the past but not sure if that option is still available. I believe I need about 220-240 ft, if anyone has some old stock they would be willing to sell I am willing to buy.

[Ragwing nut]

I have a whole bunch of short pieces I removed from a pair of wings. I tried to have some made but no luck to this point. I went the pop rivet route.

[tagflyer]

I too have some I can remove from a crashed wing if Ragwing does not have enough.

[Hank Jarrett]

If someone finds a wire bending company once the set up is done it is fairly inexpensive to make a run of wire. We found a company some time back who could do it but they found out it was for airplanes and hey refused because they were worried about liability. If you fond a wire company DO NOT MENTION AIRPLANES!!!! We refer to the wire as "Awning Retention wire" NOT RIB WIRE!!! There is a real demand for Taylorcraft wire and everyone be VERY CAREFUL. There is Taylorcraft wire and Martin Wire. The pitch is DIFFERENT! The wire can be "Joggled" but it shows through the fabric.

Hank

[taylorcraft_52]

So what is the procedure (anecdotally) for using a bunch of shorter pieces? Such as how many holes should one piece hit as a minimum, and could sections be welded together to make a continuous run?

[Ragwing nut]

So what is the procedure (anecdotally) for using a bunch of shorter pieces? Such as how many holes should one piece hit as a minimum, and could sections be welded together to make a continuous run?

double up the last hole. thats how these were installed.

[Ragwing nut]

If someone finds a wire bending company once the set up is done it is fairly inexpensive to make a run of wire. We found a company some time back who could do it but they found out it was for airplanes and hey refused because they were worried about liability. If you fond a wire company DO NOT MENTION AIRPLANES!!!! We refer to the wire as "Awning Retention wire" NOT RIB WIRE!!! There is a real demand for Taylorcraft wire and everyone be VERY CAREFUL. There is Taylorcraft wire and Martin Wire. The pitch is DIFFERENT! The wire can be "Joggled" but it shows through the fabric.

Hank

I have access to several spring companies that do aircraft parts for us. None so far want to do this particular job. someone asking twice a year for wire isn't high demand. Why don't you have it made?

[Hank Jarrett]

I have access to several spring companies that do aircraft parts for us. None so far want to do this particular job. someone asking twice a year for wire isn't high demand. Why don't you have it made?

What we need is to get EVERYBODY who wants the wire together to do one larger order. I can do what I can, but my pre war was rib stitched. My 45 I have just enough to do my two wings. Who out tehre wants a roll large enough for both of their wings? Who wants to coordinate a single larger order?

Hank

[taylorcraft_52]

Well I'll say right now for posterity that if enough people chime in that need this and we can arrange for a manufacturer to make a run of it I'll order enough for a few wings. I can help with the process as much as I can but I don't have any contacts in that particular industry. Ragwing nut The companies that you have access to, are they willing and able to manufacture such a product as long as the demand makes it viable or are there liability concerns there as well?

[Ragwing nut]

Well I'll say right now for posterity that if enough people chime in that need this and we can arrange for a manufacturer to make a run of it I'll order enough for a few wings. I can help with the process as much as I can but I don't have any contacts in that particular industry. Ragwing nut The companies that you have access to, are they willing and able to manufacture such a product as long as the demand makes it viable or are there liability concerns there as well?

its not a liability problem. Its a production problem. They make all kinds of springs for the Super Vikings with no issue.

[Hank Jarrett]

How big an order would they need to make a run? We just need enough people to make a run. Worked really well when we did a production run of bungees.

Hank

Which we should do AGAIN!!! If we all changed our bungees close to the same time it saves a LOT doing a bulk buy! And you know you are getting FRESH bungees, not something from a warehouse shelf that could be years old.

[Peterroy]

Let me be the first to say I’m in for enough wire to do a set of wings.

[Bigdog]

Who has specs for the wire? Material, diameter, temper and exact shape and spacing of the bends. I have a friend who owns a spring company. I am willing to ask him but will need real specs. I don't have a dog in this hunt since I've got L-2's but am willing to help.

[Hank Jarrett]

The factory wire diameters range from .031 to .034. Material appears to be 0.031 diameter spring music wire Spec AN-W-15. T wire appears to be 303 stainless steel. Martin wire is Stainless Steel 302H. Note that is is NOT easy to test small wire like this.
J, Anderson did the attached drawing back in 2016 and it appears to be the same as some old stock wire I have.

Hank Taylorcraft wing fabric clip wire dwg.pdf

[Bigdog]

Thanks Hank. The drawing is just what I needed. I'll talk with my friend about it the next time we have lunch, maybe as soon as next week. I'll let you know what he says.