Strut attach fittings. Clunk-clunk

[N96337]

Re: Strut attach fittings. Clunk-clunk

My 46 spars were laminated out of about a dozen pieces as well. Last time I flew mine, a friend was with me that had bought a NEW 47 and had it ever since.... anyway, we went up and did some stalls and he wanted down. He said it didn't behave anything like his plane. To make a long story short, when I tried I couldn't get anything to show, until I started to disassemble the wing for cover... and a bunch of that old glue had dried out and was letting go. To say the least it was giving my wing a mind of it's own when I stalled... but no clunk or anything like you're hearing Dan. I'd say you've gotten to the bottom of yours, and hope the wear is on the bolt!
John

[NC36061]

Re: Strut attach fittings. Clunk-clunk

Hmmm, I guess it must be legal, or at least was at one time, but I can't imagine flying in something with spars made of multiple pieces "laminated" together... Rob, that one pic you posted from above the spar looks like a beautiful splice, but no doubler plates... yikes!

[1938BF50]

Re: Strut attach fittings. Clunk-clunk

laminated spars are both stronger and stiffer than one pc. spars

[Dano"T"]

Re: Strut attach fittings. Clunk-clunk

New bolts...no egged out holes....ready to fly. Again......wheeeew. And yes, laminated spars are fine....my cub has one too. They did that a lot back then.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Strut attach fittings. Clunk-clunk

Eggcelent news ! Go fly!

[N96337]

Re: Strut attach fittings. Clunk-clunk

Glad to hear that Dan!
Yes, laminated spars are legal, and like said above can be stronger. The main reason that Tcraft spars have so many laminations is that they were about broke (as usual) and used every scrap of wood they could find, according to a close friend of mine that worked there in the 40's.
John