15 Rib to 13 Rib conversion

[1938BF50]

Converting the 15 rib/1941 wing to a 13 rib 1938 wing turned out to be a lot bigger project than I had anticipated. Lot's of subtle changes that were not apparent until final assembly. Perhaps the most pronounced was making the aileron cove. I had hoped that I could use the cove from the '41 wing, as once it's covered, there is no external visual difference. Not the case. The Aileron bellcranks on the 1938 must be slightly longer as they put the cable well into the curved section of the rib tail that the aileron cove mates with. At least I had my 1938 wing to copy for reference. The '38 wing cove mounts on two long wooden stingers that run full length of the aileron bay. I can see why Taylorcraft changed the design for ease of assembly. These are very labor intensive and each joint requires hand fitting. I have finished & mounted both stingers and all the "L" shaped attaching brackets. I will do final assenbly tonite and make the cove itself. Hoping to get my pre-cover inspection this Friday.....then off to get covered!

[Larry Lyons]

Re: 15 Rib to 13 Rib conversion

Mike, let me know how the pulled rivits on your ribs do during the pre-cover inspection. I have a lot of heart ache invested in driven rivits that size. Also I am very interested in any spare ribs you may have left over.
Larry

[1938BF50]

Re: 15 Rib to 13 Rib conversion

Larry,

If I am understanding you correctly....my I/A has no issue with the hardware type rivits and suggested that I do all my rib repairs with same.

I actually switched out 7 damaged/repaired ribs with some NOS ones that I lucked into a few years back. The old boy I bought them from($40 for the set of 7) bought them in the late 40's for a repair and never used them. They have been hanging on his shop wall ever since. He is nearly 90 now. The ribs I have left have as many as 6 repairs on each rib! They are butt ugly.

[1938BF50]

Re: 15 Rib to 13 Rib conversion

More pics of cove.