Evaluating the fabric.

[mhorowit]

I'm looking for a way to get a sensing on the condition of fabric.
(put aside for a moment that it's not a bad idea to remove the fabric after 30 years to see what's being hidden)

Although the theoretical lifespan of the fabric is way out there, it sounds like 20-35 years is what the Millers expect. This being on a hangered a/c and/or with adequate UV protection and good maintenance of the coating.

And we know that just because the seller says it has always been hangered, he might not know what the previous owner did.

So, I propose the following. Move the a/c into a well-lit area. Crawl in and face aft, looking down the inside of the fuselage. Have someone cover the windscreen and windows with blankets or something to block out the light.
See if any light comes thru the fabric. If no, then the fabric is well protected and probably will go a full 35 years.

How many years does it have already? If it's got 25, then you probably have 10 years to play with.

Anyone see anything wrong with this approach? - Mike

[Carl Ellis]

Re: Evaluating the fabric.

Mike -

You might find this thread useful.

http://vb.taylorcraft.org/showthread.php?t=1629

- Carl -

[alwaysoar]

Re: Evaluating the fabric.

Recovering an airplane is expensive, but nothing like welding in new tubing. There is no reason why life-time fabric cannot last virtually forever, but the innards? That's another story.

[mhorowit]

Re: Evaluating the fabric.

Mike -

You might find this thread useful.

http://vb.taylorcraft.org/showthread.php?t=1629

- Carl -

Good Thread - thanks for pointing it out; especially liked the part were someone looked for light thru the fabric; and I thought I was original - Mike

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Evaluating the fabric.

There is this thing called FAR's that most IA's use. There is a lot about airworthiness and conforming to Type Certificate.
It sort of relates to the Dentist who told the fellow that he had good news & bad news.: His teeth were really great ; BUT his gums were shot.... The ONLY way to fully inspect a Taylorcraft is to remove the covering. Sooooo that needs done when ever something is suspected, rotten tubes, bad wood, broken things, etc.. Then we get down to the fabric, I have never heard of fabric flying off the ship. I have heard of the fabric tearing off back of the windshield and causing the ship to desend.
Use good common sense, if light shows through then the UV rays have weakened the fabric right there test it!! That is what the Seyboth & Maule testers are used for , poking about to find rotten fabric. I have seen totally rotten tubes under fine fabric. The struts and landing gears need stripped and inspected too .
Look, think, probe, use common sense. Find that IA who knows what to look for, Mike remembers his aileron brackett here at the Fly-In... broken

[mhorowit]

Re: Evaluating the fabric.

Mike remembers his aileron brackett here at the Fly-In... broken

Yeah, but they were well painted!

You did receive the otherone back, right? - Mike

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Evaluating the fabric.

I got her back , sorry I did not let you know!! Without following this thread way back and around , what is the status of your incident and what are you doing to fly again. maybe use [email protected]