Wing strut drawings

[bluerooster]

As you stated shipping is a killer. I need 2 pieces of 1/2'x.035 for some wing tip bows. Shipping from Atlanta is $128 and $168 from California.

I'm lucky in that respect. I can drive to Atlanta (about an hour each way) to pick up large items from AS.

[bluerooster]

After "crunching the numbers". I found that I can fabricate a set of lift struts for about $2k all in. or buy a pre made set for about $2870, plus shipping, plus fittings.
So, a savings of ~$1k over store bought.

[3Dreaming]

I would suggest that you get your approval for compliance with the airworthiness directive from the FAA before building the struts. Without the approval your savings will disappear.

[bluerooster]

After doing a bit of research, I found that one can send their old struts to Wag, to be "re-built". What they do is (barring any other airworthiness issues) to weld up the drain holes, and send them back as "sealed struts". Thus satisfying the requirements of the AD. Yes, they have the authorization to do that. Now based upon that bit of info, one would think that I could build a brand new set of struts based upon the old ones, minus the drain holes, and also have a set of sealed struts. As an Owner produced part, and following what is laid out in AC 43.13. I'll call the local FSDO and ask about it when the time comes.
But $1k difference in price, is not chump change, and could be put toward something else, like new prop, or cylinder overhaul.

[3Dreaming]

Early on Wag Aero was rejecting a fairly large percentage of struts being sent in to be sealed. So much so, that they started providing instructions on how to drill a hole and inspect the struts to determine if they were eligible for repair, to prevent the waste of shipping a non-repairable part. Even struts that were able to pass the Eddy Current or ultrasound inspection specified in the AD may not be eligible for the Wag Aero AMOC repair due to visible rust on the interior of the strut tubing. Also there is more to it than just welding up the drain hole. The front struts get a bushing welded in where the upper bolt passes through. The rear struts get a new sealed threaded end welded on replacing the original.

[N96337]

Bluerooster, go to the end of the AD and call the number listed. Tell them what you want to do and get the straight answer from them. They're the ones that will approve an AMOC. I've been surprised before when I did that (on different AD's) and they were very willing to work with me. Good luck and let us know what they say! What you're proposing sure isn't rocket science, and if you're a competent welder, shouldn't be a big deal. I long for the days when we actually repaired or rebuilt things instead of just tossing them and replacing!
John