rebuild

[Ray]

Ok guys I have had my taylorcraft fall back in my lap after a friend and I had a falling out. So I will be doing this on my own. I was told that the martin clips from Aircraft Spruce wont work and they wont so I have decided to use the rivets. I have been told I would have to get a field approval and have a A&P do a 337. How do I get a field approval my experience is with experimental aircraft so this is all new and please forgive my future questions as this is new to me. I have had my logs signed and a 337 for the repairs on the wings and they are cleared to cover. Please help.

[Ray36048]

Re: rebuild

There is an STC to use screws inplace of the wires. It is STC SA1-217. I will forward you a copy. As part of the STC there is a letter saying you can also use rivets. This STC currently does not have an owner. I have seen several T-Crafts that have used the screws. Champs have used screws, like forever. When they changed to rivets, they also increased the rib material thickness. I would stay with the screws on a T-Craft. It would be best to run all of this by whoever will be signing off the 337 before you do anything.

[Ray]

Re: rebuild

Is there a differrence in the wing from mine and a f19. If so do the screws fit the holes that the martins clips went into. I have a 1946 taylorcraft.

[Marv]

Re: rebuild

Ray you can still use the Martin wire but you have to bend a S in them to shorten them. Some times you can find the Taylorcraft wire here on the forum. Last i knew Forrest still had some, and the wire is what i would use. It is faster and Taylor thought it was best. Marv

[partyofone]

Re: rebuild

I'd go with the taylorcraft wire. I know for a fact that Forrest has some.

Erik

[astjp2]

Re: rebuild

Look at the tech refernces section, there is a copy of a 337 for rivets and ribstitching, and I think there might be one for screws. I did both of them and let your mechanic that is looking over your work decide what he wants you to do..... The STC owner needs to give permission to use it, no owner, no permission, not allowed to use. Tim

[Ray]

Re: rebuild

On the STC, if you cannot get in contact with the owner then the STC can be used the one I found dates back to 1959 what are the odds that they would still be around I also have a letter from the FAA approving this modification referencing the STC from 1959. Mechanic IA has approved it, I will be placing screws in the ribs and will have to drill new holes as the ones on the rib are 5/32 and the fabric rivets are 1/8. Piper, Aeronca and others have been doing it for years. How do I get in contact with the individual that may have some original martins clips.

[crispy critter]

Re: rebuild

Wag aero and ACS used to sell the martin wire for a taylorcraft but you had to ask for it special. I've use it and it works fine as long as the ribs are in line and the holes are not worn or oversized which is really hard to find a wing like that now days. Screws seems to work good too but I have seen them work loose over time and create some wear/chaffing problems in the finish tape. The rivits work really well....until you have to remove them again. The ribs on a t-craft are so thin that when you try to drive out the center of the rivit it is very easy and almost certin to cause damage to some,most,or all of the ribs even after drilling down to the locking part of the rivit. If you try to drill all the way through the rivit then it is almost impossible to stay in the center of the rivit and then your left with an even bigger hole to deal with. The later model champs had thicker material used for the ribs in later years and dosen't have this problem. Almost all the methods have thier goods & bads but all are effective. Personally, I prefer rib stitching but unless you have arms like an ape it's very hard to rib stitch by yourself and it takes two very patient people to get the stitches nice and straight,plus you have to watch out for the aileron cables,drag/anti-drag wires,etc. Plus it's harder to get stitching approved on the stamped rib wing.

[Marv]

Re: rebuild

Ray here is Forrests site and his info for contacting him. http://barberaircraft.com
It may help to join the Taylorcraft Foundation. Marv

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: rebuild

I still like the Taylorcraft wires. I need to find some good wire at the hangar and see if I can make a tool to make my own wires. You could hand make a BUNCH of wire sitting in front of the boob tube at night.
Anybody have the spec on the wire they use?
Hank