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I have the Taylorcraft wire clips on my BC12-D and need to replace the spars. My question is , in taking the old wing apart what is the best way to remove the the wire clips holding the fabric onto the ribs ? I would like to save the wire if possible as I have the Taylorcraft wires and not the Martin wires.
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Re: Martin Fabric Clips
using a great deal of care.
the wire was designed to be installed not removed. There is a high probability of damaging the ribs as the wire will cut the aluminium as the clip is withdrawn. I would be inclined to remove the tapes and fabric leaving the wire and a strip of fabric in place. Then squeeze each clip from underneath with pliers or a piece of tubing (ID same as the rib holes) and ease them up through the rib. A drop of oil might help too.
SScott
CF-CLR Blog: http://c-fclr.blogspot.ca/ -
Re: Martin Fabric Clips
It may work out well if you push the back of the wire hook forward with a putty knife placed between the wire and the rib aft of the hole and gently lift.
Dave RComment
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Re: Martin Fabric Clips
Scott and Dave have it right with one addition, CHECK to see if the wires are in with the hooks forward or aft. I have seen them BOTH ways, even on the same airplane! Forrest said the hook goes FORWARD and I can confirm both the hobby shop brass tube squeezing the wire from the bottom and a thin putty knife from the top work. Cutting the fabric on both sides of the rib makes removal very easy and also the strip of fabric makes it MUCH easier to store the wires. They will tangle like mad if you put them together without the fabric strip. Take the old fabric off the wire just before you put that wire back on the new covering.
HankComment
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