Rib reinforcing tape

[Robert Lees]

When installing fabric clips, does one use rib reinforcing tape (the self-adhesive type) underneath the clips (as one would for rib stitching)?
Or do the clips go straight on to the fabric?

Thanks
Rob

[Dick Smith]

Re: Rib reinforcing tape

Rob, I copied this from my Poly-fiber manual:
RIB LACING
After the first coat of POLY-BRUSH has dried, the filament reinforcing tapes, the same width as the rib, are positioned on top of the ribs, continuously over the area that will be either rib-stitched, secured with screws, wire clips or any method the original manufacturer used. Control surfaces may use short lengths of reinforcing tape at each stitch or fastener. Dick

[crispy critter]

Re: Rib reinforcing tape

Rob,
I have seen first hand what Martin wire will do to fabric without putting the reinforcing tape on first.It is ok for a while but after a little age,time,and stress the wire chafs through the fabric and the fabric begins to pull loose from the ribs.It doesn't happen as fast using 101(3.4oz) but the 102(2.4oz)will cut through before you know it.
In short;Yes,use the reinforcing tape under your Martin wire.I like to use a strip on each rib before applying the fabric also,especiaily when using Matin wire.It not only give you a little extra chaffing protection(probably not needed but it also helps tighten the wire just a little bit more so they don't leave as much hump as the wire tends to do.I know and extra layer of chaffing tape doesn't sound like much but it will surprize you with the difference.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Rib reinforcing tape

Thanks, guys.

[crispy critter]

Re: Rib reinforcing tape

Your welcome.

[rdwater]

Re: Rib reinforcing tape

Jim and Dondi at ATS, who have been wonderful throughout my covering and painting, suggested that I double reinforcing-tape over the Martin wires. The top tape was 1". It looks nice and added more fabric reinforcement for where the wires didn't lay down flat and will rub fabric. I wish that I knew of the idea of reinforcing tape under the fabric before I covered. Jim said that a little twist of the Martin wires between barbs with pliars after installation would take up any slack and help them to lay flat. The wires do save time, but I got pretty good pretty quickly at lacing the tail surfaces and think that I would lace instead of Martin wire the wings if I did it again. Bob

[crispy critter]

Re: Rib reinforcing tape

I agree Bob.I have used Martin wire a few times and learned a few tricks but on any bird that I have my own choice of methods,I choose to stitch it everytime.It takes a little longer but you have full control over the out-come.

[tcraft46]

Re: Rib reinforcing tape

Hi Rob!
I remember when arrive at the first time at this site because my clip between hole has a bump & you suggest to made a bend to wire but your answer arrive after install my tape 3" .So in the next week I'm a decision to remove my tape or to make a cut along the tape to twist my clip & recover with 2" & we don't have on market rand-o- bond by randolph so I buy cement by ceconite.
Me I put my reinforced tape over fabric I think is the good method I wish because my finition on my wing is not perfect but for the first time!!!!!!!

[Robert Lees]

Re: Rib reinforcing tape

Good to see you posting here, Luc mon ami.

I did apply reinforcing tapes... here is the result.

Rob

[tcraft46]

Re: Rib reinforcing tape

HI Robert!
That's good, your holes in wing is not attack because your clip is straitgh due to your hole is 1|8" with the dood space same of original (If remember the space is 3").
But I know the defect & when the holes are open in limit so the time for wheater & schedule I operate too fastly & my friend said to me ""aviation is for a deplacement fast but for the guy's don't press"
Then I received your email the next day I finish to install my tape 3".
Anaway,I have a secur on my job ,the decision I take will be the good decision .
However ,the next time I recovered my wing (may be for my son "I wish") that will be perfect same taylorcraft model.
Bonjour mon ami

[jrzangger]

Re: Rib reinforcing tape

Nice looking installation Rob. Those must be the original Taylorcraft wires and not the Martin wires. When I removed my wires, I saw that the factory originally used a 1" tape under the narrower reinforcing tape all covered with the 2" tape. This is consistant with what Jim and Dondi suggested and I did it with mine as well.

So when is the first flight scheduled?!

[Robert Lees]

Re: Rib reinforcing tape

No schedule, Jim...it'll be ready when it's ready.

They are the original wires.

Rob