Martin Fabric Clip Question

[CraigH]

I am recovering the inboard section of the wing on a F21B and need some technical assistance. The section of fabric had been replaced before and was attached to the ribs using pop rivets. I was trying to match the rest of the wing and used Martin Fabric Clips. My problem is that the wires are protruding up and putting a bulge in the finish tapes even after ironing them down. I am using the factory holes on 3" centers. I tried contacting the clip manufacturer but only got an answering machine. Any help with this matter would be greatly appreciated.

[Robert Lees]

Craig, where did you get your replacement wire clip from?

[CraigH]

Robert,
I am posting these questions for my A&P who is unable to post on the forum for some reason.

The clips came from Wicks, and were manufactured by the Arbor company.

[Robert Lees]

They might have the wrong pitch (spacing) compared with the original Taylorcraft Wire. Martin Wire is a different product, interchangeable except for the spacing. You can put a horizontal bend (zig-zag) in them to allow them to lie flat. Or re-drill new holes in the rib cap with the appropriate hole spacing for your new wire.

[Steve Pierce]

Is there a contact for Martin that anyone knows of. The info I came up with in all the parts cateloges is for 3" spacing which is what I have. The ribs have been drilled in between the holes for pop rivets. I might just have to go back to the rivets. Thanks.

[Guest]

Hi Craig, I had what seems like the same problem 5 years ago. I contacted Martin and they had no answers except they allowed me to retrurn the wires. At that time I bought some wire leftover factory from Forrest Barber that worked perfectly. Dave.

[Forrest Barber]

Wires

The original "Taylorcraft" wire stitching is a wee bit different than the "Martin" wire. As Robert pointed out you need to Z the wire once in a while and "bow" it down with your thumb ( wrapped with tape if doing a lot of them" . Sometimes even bending the wire at the barb with fine needle nose pliers.
I think you should use the "fabriv" over the tanks anyway. If I recall the wires may not seat completely in that area.....check it all out and do your best.

[Steve Pierce]

Is it legal to pop rivet or rib stitch?

[Forrest Barber]

The stamped ribs cannot be stitched (legally). The factory stated they were working on that approval.
The "fabriv" ( large head pop rivet is legal, I will have to find the approved data. Working at home this morning ; 8 degrees last night. Am still a sissy NE Ohio guy..... We have done it many times in certain circumstances. the clip wing, the ribs over & under the tanks, repairs , etc... . I will check furthur this afternoon, in the meantime any buddy else...... Steve is working on that F-21B back from Australia owned by Craig.

[Steve Pierce]

I think I will usemy fluting pliers to put a joggle in the wires before I install them. I tore the tapes off last night and then figured it was easier to remove the fabric and recover than try and feather everything out. The Martin Clip literature says 3" spacing which is what I have but the clips have a 3.1" spacing. I think the fluting pliers will work. I won't put tapes on till I'm satisfied. Thanks for the responces. Back in the paint booth to start again.

[Forrest Barber]

And let us know how you make out!! that .1 makes a difference over 5 ft....

[CraigH]

Thanks for the input guys! I'm hoping to make it down to LaGrange if the May 22nd fly-in comes about. Then you can see the finished product for yourself. Forrest, are you still planning on coming down?

[Steve Pierce]

Just did a test piece and it worked great. A little joggle parallel to the fabric in a sort of "Z" shape makes them lay nice and flat. Now back on with the fabric.

[Wayne]

Fabriv

I would like to know if the Fabriv is legal on a BC12D and is it OK with the Polyfiber STC?

It won't be long and I will be covering wings on N43112.

[taylorcraft078]

What is the best procedure to use when there are a mix of old and new ribs in a wing? N36078 has a few stamped ribs along with the original built ups. It was stitched when we pulled the covering off in November. The Martin wire holes don't look like they were ever used.
Dave
N36078 '41 BC-12-65