Why is my tail fin bolted and welded

[Sloanlow]

Why is the tail fin on my 45 BC12D bolted and welded? Does it have to be welded? I need to remove the fin for repair, do I have to weld it when i put it back?

As a side note. Does anyone have a serviceable c-85 to which i can apply the 100 hp STC? I will be in the market for one soon.

[crispy critter]

Re: Why is my tail fin bolted and welded

The vertical stabalizer should NOT be welded to the fuslage.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Why is my tail fin bolted and welded

Affirm. Not welded. Un-weld it, find out why some plonker welded it, fix that, then bolt it back on.

I know that sounds easy....but it should not be welded.

[Sloanlow]

Re: Why is my tail fin bolted and welded

All

Thanks, I will look into the whole thing and be sure that it is right before proceeding. It was very nicely welded too.

Jim

[Robert Lees]

Re: Why is my tail fin bolted and welded

I suppose you could just leave it as is?

[crispy critter]

Re: Why is my tail fin bolted and welded

If it flew straight before and there is no damage then it probably won't hurt to leave it as is but if it ever needs to be repaired for any reason later it will make it much harder to do. IMHO I would fix it the correct way while it is all apart.

[Guest]

Re: Why is my tail fin bolted and welded

All

Thanks, I will look into the whole thing and be sure that it is right before proceeding. It was very nicely welded too.

Jim

If some fellow had the choice of welding a 5/8" tube or installing 3/16" bolt I am guessing he would choose the bolt. So there might be some underlying damage that caused him to weld it together. Maybe there is a log entry or 337 describing the work? Dave.

[Sloanlow]

Re: Why is my tail fin bolted and welded

My tail section seems to have been repaired by "T A/C MFG co Rebuild". I looking at he logs but do not find this. Evidence is in metal tags welded to the frame. The logical solution is this.

It was welded during the rebuild. During a subsequent rebuild the 3/16 drilled bolt was incorrectly installed with a self locking nut. Although a nut and bolt belong there, its not this nut and bolt. Since I have all the resources available to repair this , I think I will take this apart and inspect it then put it back right.

Still sorting this one out.

Jim

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Why is my tail fin bolted and welded

what is the ser# of your ship. there were two big windstorms that damaged a lot of ships prior to completion. They then were repaired and tagged as described. Subsequent recovers had someone do the weld job that part was not done at the factory.

[Sloanlow]

Re: Why is my tail fin bolted and welded

Tribe

The serial number is 6670 and the tail number is 43011.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Why is my tail fin bolted and welded

That ship was test flown by Al Barber, my father on Dec 28th, 1945. Does that show as date of manufacture on paper work or the data plate?

[Sloanlow]

Re: Why is my tail fin bolted and welded

The date of MFG is 12/26/45

Jim NC43011