New Member- Metal Spars

[Edwin Otha]

Hello all,
I have been watching your site for some time and have joined now.
I have what is probably a simple question that has already been answered but am unable to find it in the archives.
My current project is a DC-65. It has some spar damage and requires replacement spars or splice sections. The spars are aluminum extrusions. I have been measuring Cubs and Citabrias, and think I could make them work.
Is there a supplier for these items? I know that if I use a substitute there will be unforseen problems.
Thank you
EO

[Ragwing nut]

Re: New Member- Metat Spars

Which side do you need? I have a spare wing but I will have to check condition. Also I read somewhere, Taylorcraft has a letter of approval that allows them to use Piper spar stock as a direct replacement.

Mike

[Edwin Otha]

Re: New Member- Metat Spars

Mike,
Give me a day or two, the wings are stored in another hangar. Thanks for the fast response. I would like the resource for the substitution of the Piper spar stock if you have it.
Thanks again
EO

[Forrest Barber]

Re: New Member- Metat Spars

Why not use the original Taylorcraft spars? They are a unique cross section , a "tipped bulb angle" used by the "D" Model and then later on some "B" models in Feb-Mar 1947. If you change to anything else you have to work around the unique rib fastener system. OR do your ribs attach to the spar with rivets? pictures would help & ser# of your ship. send direct to [email protected]
yes I have Taylorcraft metal spars here in my barn....

[Ragwing nut]

Re: New Member- Metat Spars

Metal spar ribs are very unique in that they are held to the spar with a friction clip. To change over to Piper spars would be alot of work.

Mike

[Edwin Otha]

Re: New Member- Metal Spars

I am going to my storage hangar on Wednesday and will have the information on the wings. I am sorry for the simple questions but this is the first Taylorcraft I,ve owned with metal spar wings. The local discussions indicated that I would not be able to locate replacement metal spars. It appears this may not be entirely correct. Thank you
EO

[Forrest Barber]

Re: New Member- Metal Spars

Atta Boy! In Aviation remember to " believe none of what you hear and half of what you see!" Are you thinking of joining the Foundation sometime

[Ragwing nut]

Re: New Member- Metal Spars

You just have to know the right people.

Mike

[Edwin Otha]

Re: New Member- Metal Spars

Your reply to my question has been wonderful. It has completely changed the direction of this project. I had wanted to rebuild the ship with the metal spars, but thought the parts were unavailable. I see now the wing problem may not be as bad as first thought.
I have several different type of aircraft and don,t belong to many type clubs, for a number of reasons. The response to my question has changed my viewpoint. I would be proud to belong to a type club of this quality. I look forward to sending my application.
Thank you all
EO

[Forrest Barber]

Re: New Member- Metal Spars

Ed welcome aboard....I got your private e-mail & answered it. thanks Forrest

[Ragwing nut]

Re: New Member- Metal Spars

Your reply to my question has been wonderful. It has completely changed the direction of this project. I had wanted to rebuild the ship with the metal spars, but thought the parts were unavailable. I see now the wing problem may not be as bad as first thought.
I have several different type of aircraft and don,t belong to many type clubs, for a number of reasons. The response to my question has changed my viewpoint. I would be proud to belong to a type club of this quality. I look forward to sending my application.
Thank you all
EO

If you are having problems finding parts for your other planes, let me know on thise as well. I have been restoring airplanes a long time and have quite a few contacts for parts. I may not know where everything is but I usually find most items sooner or later.

Mike

[Edwin Otha]

Re: New Member- Metal Spars

I went to the hangar today and took inventory of the wings. It looks like both spars on the right wing are bent. Also the wing tip and tip rib are destroyed, compression member is damaged,the nipple pulled through. And to top it off 3 aileron ribs are damaged, but might be repairable. The aileron is broke in the middle, and is wood construction. The left wing is in better shape with only the front spar being damaged beyond repair. A few ribs are bent but repairable. If any one has replacement parts I could use them.
The wings use a clamp affair to secure them to the spars. Also the lipped portion of the spar has a bulbed area on each edge, the clamps are profiled to fit in this bulbed area. They also extend to the fuselage with no cut out like the glider wings.
Thank you for the offer Mike, right now I,m on the hunt for LeBlond 90 pistons,std. bore and 125 Warner pistons. Let me know if I can help you out here in CA.
EO

[Ragwing nut]

Re: New Member- Metal Spars

Try Forrest Lovely, Harmon Dickerson, or Radial Engines Ltd for the Warner pistons. Le Blond pistons will be harder to find but I will have to make some phone calls.

Sounds like you need at least one wing and a spar. I will check to see which side I have extra and what condition it is in.

Mike

[Edwin Otha]

Re: New Member- Metal Spars

Thanks Mike,
I talked to Harmon earlier about the pistons, not alot of 125 stuff to be had. I,ve got a set of new +.015 for the LeBlond but the cylinders are new standard chrome.
EO

[Sloanlow]

Re: New Member- Metal Spars

Article in the vintage airplane by EAA. The article indicates that Swick Aircraft holds three STC's, for the BC12D, 1 clip wing, 2 revise control system and 3 Piper metal spar to replace original wood spars in taylorcraft. Interesitng read page 21 Jan 06, vintage airplane