Spar cracks

[Robert Lees]

In response Robert, my first thought is the nails would transfer the lift/load to the spar, maybe I'm not thinking about that correctly tho. On the subject of nails, I have some that I bought from ACS, but they are not the same shank size as what I've pulled out and the heads are much smaller too. What's the consensus on replacement nail size? The originals measure around .040 and the head around .100. Spruce nails are around .035 shank and .070 on the heads.

I believe you are correct about the smaller shank diameter of later nails. Quite why they are smaller: I have no idea.

During my wing rebuild (between 2001 and 2006), I used my original 1946 spars (with some very minor superficial timber repairs) and used the original ribs...most ribs were not removed at all, so mostly original nails. Where the few ribs that were repaired, I used new nails (I think from ACS) but I did make new holes. Since 2006, the wings haven't come apart (despite some very vigorous flying since then!)

C.G. Taylor knew his stuff. Hope that helps. Merry Christmas to all.

Rob

[Scott]

If everything is properly prepared ie urethane varnish applied properly to the spars and ribs etched and conversion coated, a very nice and effective method of attaching the ribs would be Proseal.

Frankly a beed of Proseal before nailing to sesl the nail holes would be good in any case