Wind Damaged TCraft

[murphy]

Last night we had a storm come though and damage my TCraft which is kept in an open T hanger. Some metal from a field was picked up and slammed into the leading edge of the left wing causing the plane to jump the chocks and slam the left aileron into a T hanger beam. I now will need to at the very least replace the aileron and leading edge of the left wing and would like some help in size and source of leading edge metal and aileron trailing edge metal. I realize the scope of this repair job may increase as the wing is opened up but so far this is all I see. Could you folks that have repaired and or restored Taylorcrafts please tell me what size and where to purchase these parts. Is the leading edge metal one section or is it spliced? This TCraft is a 1983 F21A Thanks in advace fir any information. Mike

[crispy critter]

Re: Wind Damaged TCraft

Sorry to hear about your troubles...do you keep it tied inside the open hangar? Anyway,you can buy leading edge from ACS,Univair,or WagAero for a BC12D and/or F19. Each wing has three sections and then a short formed 4th piece where the leading edge transitions to the tip bow. It is all pretty simple to replace and/or repair with the wing uncovered. This is based on the F19,BC12,& BC12D, I have never been into an F21 so I don't know if there is any differences or not. I believe the wing structure is basiclly the same.

[mulwyk]

Re: Wind Damaged TCraft

It's all easily repaired, Mike. Smaller sections of leading edge can be replaced as needed (it's plain 'ol .016 (?) aluminum sheet, no need to buy an entire replacement leading edge section). My left leading edge has 5 sections due to old repairs, my right has 6 sections. Minor leading edge imperfections are often disguised by use of poly-fiber polyester padding under the cover.

Trailing edge material is also readily available, but again, repair may be easier (and certainly cheaper) than replacement. Check AC 43.13 for repair methods, there's even an interesting trailing edge repair that uses a wood (ash?) reinforcement inside the damaged area!

Minor sheet metal damage like you've described is no big deal. These old planes were designed to be repaired in the field by people with limited skills and limited tools. With a little supervision, you can even do it yourself.

[murphy]

Re: Wind Damaged TCraft

Kevin and Bob,
Thanks for the feedback I feel alittle better today about the damage. The airplane was tied down in the hanger but not as well as it should have been. I had planned to recover the plane when I retire in five years or so and this repair should be a learning experience. Thanks Again, Mike

[Tom Garrick]

Re: Wind Damaged TCraft

Mike,
I have just finished replacing the leading edges and recovering my F-21B.
I have a white oak form that fits in the leading edge ribs that I used to repair them. You are welcome to it if you need it I picked up my leading egge material from A/C spruce.
Call me and I will talk you through the process.

Tom
843-559-2222