Martin wire and rib stitching

[astjp2]

Does anyone have a 337 for rib stitching an F-19 wing that originally had martin wire? I am trying to get it approved for a customer...any paperwork would be appreciated. Tim

[Laz]

Re: Martin wire and rib stitching

If you check out the new FAA regs you may be able to use rib stiching with just a log entry. There is info about the new reg in the August EAA sport aviation. Since the original wire is no longer available you can use a substitute system as long as it is used on a certified aircarft. The stamped ribes may need some protection so they do not cut the rib stich

One other thing. They did not use Martin wire, they used Taylorcaft wire. The Martin wire has some spacing issues.

[mulwyk]

Re: Martin wire and rib stitching

My BC12-D has rib stitching. It's been recovered 9 times since 1946. Who knows when it was first done that way. No special 337 or even a logbook entry, except the usual "used the methods of AC43.13" reference. My IA just shrugged when I told him I was going to continue that ribstitching tradition on this latest recover. It doesn't seem to be a big deal.

[VictorBravo]

Re: Martin wire and rib stitching

Since the original wire is no longer available you can use a substitute system as long as it is used on a certified aircarft.

Rib stitching was used on thousands of Taylorcraft B models of the same TC number, so it might be a very easy sell.

CAM-18 and AC 43.13 all say that you should apply protective tape over any sharp edges of metal that could cut into the fabric... as part of ANY recover or fabric work. Just quote the section, page and paragraph of this area, and include that in your 337 form.

By all rights it should be a minor alteration to any IA that still has some balls.

[Carrieve]

Re: Martin wire and rib stitching

Hi all,
I put a reinforcing tape on the ribs to protect the fabric from chafing. I purchased the tape from Ray Stits when he still had the company. I rib stitched mine and entered that along with the STC from him way back when and have never had a problem getting it approved.

[Guest]

Re: Martin wire and rib stitching

By all rights it should be a minor alteration to any IA that still has some balls.

lol

[astjp2]

Re: Martin wire and rib stitching

Well 43.13 says its a major, so if you dont have a 337 you can be violated for flying an unairworthy aircraft....stupid paperwork....Once I get it approved, I will submit it under the tech resources section. What are the feds using as a reference to substitute rib stitching if the taylorcraft wire is unavailable? Did the EAA article give a reference? Thanks Tim

[5186Mike]

Re: Martin wire and rib stitching

Some time ago when I was replacing the spars in both my wings I ran into the same problem. I bought the Martin wires and they just would not fit, no twisting or crimping looked good at all. The old fabric was held on with this wire and it had worn thru in a couple of places. I researched this web site and found, somewhere, a 337 for the use of pk screws and in that same thread was a letter from the FAA somewhere allowing the use of pop rivets like some other aircraft use. After discussing same with several local A&Ps and my IA I installed the fabric with the rivets. Looks good and I feel certain that the mechanical strength of the attachment is far stronger than the loose ill fitting Martin wires. IMHO By the way, does anyone want to buy some wires?

[astjp2]

Re: Martin wire and rib stitching

That was my 337 for the rivets, my customer wants me to get one for rib stitching...

[Guest]

Re: Martin wire and rib stitching

Does anyone know how much 2 wings worth of taylorcraft wire sells for today?

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Martin wire and rib stitching

If they aren't available any more this might be one of those great items to make a tool to reproduce ourselves as an owner produced part. It really looks like something that was made on a simple wire former.
Hopefully they are still available, but if not, I will be needing a set for two wings for my 45 too.
Hank

[Guest]

Re: Martin wire and rib stitching

I have about 1500', wondering if I am sitting on a gold mine!

[Larry Lyons]

Re: Martin wire and rib stitching

I have about 1500', wondering if I am sitting on a gold mine!

Having just gone through the Martin wire fiasco I would have paid for the proper wire. I had blisters showing up on my thumbs for over a week after. I rebent each wire at each zig! Arggh!!!! Larry

[VictorBravo]

Re: Martin wire and rib stitching

This is easy enough to solve. FIND whoever makes the Martin Wire, whether it's Univair or Spruce or whoever they get it from.

Tell them that there is a market for the proper wire spacing that will fit in a Taylorcraft, and their existing wire does not fit right.

Remind them that other than the A-26 Bomber and several long-extinct Martin aircraft, there is no market for the actual Martin spacing version.

Remind them that there IS a market of several thousand Taylorcrafts that is there... if they make a SMALL ADJUSTMENT to their !(#*%^ wire bending machine. When they start overstating what it will take to correct the wire barb spacing, we all yell BULL**IT in unison. Any wire forming company can make that adjustment without a huge fuss.

Remind them that there is another TWO games in town (pop rivets and rib stitching), and that there will be no market for a horribly overpriced Taylorcrcaft wire product.

Somebody send them the proper barb spacing so they can see what it needs to be.

Either there will be some new wire made up at a reasonable price, or we will have to switch over to rivets, screws, or stitching.

An individual owner can make up a wooden board with a bunch of screws put in it at the right locations, and come up with an owner manufactured part as well.

[astjp2]

Re: Martin wire and rib stitching

Well I dont have any interest in using wire anymore, rib stitching reduces the damage to the wings and is stronger in holding the fabric. Tim