Rib Stitching

[Robert Lees]

Re: Rib Stitching

t-craft wire from ACS

This is the Martin wire, which has the incorrect pitch. It is not the same as Taylorcraft wire.

Further discussions on this thread.

[TomLatos]

Re: Rib Stitching

AC4313, the bible of aircraft repair, states today that the method of fabric attachment to the wing (rib stich, screws, clips, etc) must be as specified by the original manufacture.

So if you want to be legal, use the original method.

[VictorBravo]

Re: Rib Stitching

There is a model airplane tool called "Z-Bend Pliers" that might also work well in allowing Martin wire to be "relieved" for proper spacing in a T-craft rib. In the USA they are sold cheaply by Hobby People / Global Hobby.

I am looking at mine as I write... if you hold them vertically they would put a small zig-zag bend in the wire with the plane of the bend parallel to the fabric. It appears that they will form a bend with 3/16" legs.

If you installed the Martin Wire and let the wires bow up slightly between the holes, then it sure looks as though you could put a half-squeeze in between each hole and have the wires not only flat on the rib but tensioned down onto the rib surface.

Model airplanes will save this world yet...

[Robert Lees]

Re: Rib Stitching

That would seem to be the "normal" method of applying Martin Wire to Tcraft ribs. However, there are other issues with the Martin Wire too...when I get off my backside, I will post photos of the "barb" sections here; they differ too.

Personally, I would be happier stitching than use the "Martin Wire". The barbs don't seat right under the rib caps, just my opinion.

Rob

[Acroeric]

Re: Rib Stitching

I went all the way to Michigan this weekend to look at a really nice 46 bc12-D only to find. . . . you guessed it- rib stitching. It has been there for 23 years and looked fine but it had not been flown much since the restoration. I had to pass on it but it was a very nice airplane. I am going to just get going on my restoration.. . . .

[mikeg]

Re: Rib Stitching

Look at your STC listings. There is an STC to use #4 PK screws and #6 washers between the wire holes to attach the fabric to the stamped type T-Craft ribs. Works very well.
Mike
NC29804

[mikeg]

Re: Rib Stitching

Guess I screwed up the post. I will try again. "Check your STC listings. There is an STC using #4 PK screws and #6 washers between the rib wire holds to attach the fabric to the stamped ribs. Works well.
Mike
NC29804"

[VictorBravo]

Re: Rib Stitching

Has anyone looked into STC'ing or 337'ing the large head pop rivets through the existing wire holes in a stamped rib? That method is already "approved data" on other airplanes very similar to the T-craft.

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Rib Stitching

May be a good idea Vic. In the meantime I suggest that all use the clip system on their stamped ribs. You are not legal with rib stiching period.
I know no flames on me Palease!!. I like the Rib stiching also. (Yet another reason to own a pre war Vic!!!!! )

[Robert Lees]

Re: Rib Stitching

The problem with riveting Taylorcraft ribs is that the rib caps are only 0.020". The minimum "grip length" of the shortest wide-head fabric rivet is too long to form a proper grip on the rib cap.

Champion, etc, have 0.025" rib caps. I know 0.005" isn't much of a difference, but that is the reason (in the past) that approval for fabric rivets has been hard to get.

From an engineering perspective, an additional washer under the rivet head would resolve this; whether the FAA would accept this is a different matter.

[birdlegs]

Re: Rib Stitching/ Update 9/25/05

My A.P./ I.A. Jedi master said we can chafe tape them, This is not a first time experience, He's got a diffinative agenda as to process. I'll carefully photo document it for the sake of tribal Hummings!

[birdlegs]

Re: Rib Stitching/ wires somemore!

The postwar B model I'm told by some ancients also tried pre-colored cotton and they clear doped 'em for quick covering times,,can we find any of that stuff? V. Bravos got a sweet tweek to cure the o'size rib hole question. And My Q.A. inspector did ask about wire first, so I mentioned the supply difficulties,and he moved to the next obvious method.
If the rib wire issue can be resolved this seems to be a very fast way to rib fasten fabric. And I will make every effort to stay w/ the legal M.O.
After all its been licensed since 1949

[Robert Lees]

Re: Rib Stitching/ wires somemore!

If the rib wire issue

I must be missing something, which issue is that? I just rib-wired two wings on my own at about 1 hour per each wing.
(If the question is from where to get "proper" Taylorcraft wire, just get it made by a local spring wire manufacturer. I had a similar problem with a trim spring, got one made very easily).

[Guest]

Re: Rib Stitching/ wires somemore!

I must be missing something, which issue is that? I just rib-wired two wings on my own at about 1 hour per each wing.
(If the question is from where to get "proper" Taylorcraft wire, just get it made by a local spring wire manufacturer. I had a similar problem with a trim spring, got one made very easily).

Hi Robert, slightly different subject. I recall that when I owned a BL-65 in the late '60s there was an old service bulletin (or letter) in the paperwork that came with it that talked about how early B models had no rib lacing on the wings and the necessity of applying lacing to the wings that were made that way to prevent the fabric from balooning up on the top surface. I began to think that perhaps it had been and AD but it was too early for an AD.

Ever heard of this before? Dave.