w-channel fuselage former

[TimHicks]

Does anyone know of a source for this "W" shaped channel?
I've got about 70 feet of it on my airplane. It holds the fabric off of the fuselage frame and give the fuselage that distinctive T-Craft look.
The metal is about 0.020" thick. It's held in place with springs.
I've searched this site without success (maybe I don't know the right name to call it).
And looking at Rob Lees' restoration site leads me to believe that his airplane uses a different shape (attached differently).
Mine are not kinked or anything. But cleaning them up looks like a long process. I thought that it just might be easier to replace with new (if available).

[Laz]

Re: w-channel fuselage former

Aircraft Spruce and maybe Wicks have the stuff. It is not real expensive but you have to do two splices and bend the ends. I annealed the ends before bending ( not a big deal just use a propane torch , I can explain how later). the splce is easy. It is listed on page 56 oh the latest Spruce catalog. $49.5 per 8 ft section.

[TimHicks]

Re: w-channel fuselage former

Yikes, that means something like $500 for the 10 little sticks that I need. I was expecting something more like $1.50 per foot.

Do you have an ACS part number for it? I cannot find it in their online catalog (nor on Wicks'). And my paper catalogs are at the office.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: w-channel fuselage former

Maybe hit Harbor Freight and get a Soda Blaster. Should clean them up quick, costs about $100 (watch for a 20% off coupon in their flyer and save more) then paint them with some self etching spray pant. When you are done you spent 1/4 the cash and have the blaster for more projects.
Hank

[barnstmr]

Re: w-channel fuselage former

This is secondary structure, so material substitutions are rather simple to approve if you find a similar material but not the same. Wood is a good option and is original, up thru the 46 models at least.

[cvavon]

Re: w-channel fuselage former

Tim take it to the local truck wash and have them spray it with truck wheel and tank cleaner wash it off with water and it will be bright like new then paint it like hank said

[TimHicks]

Re: w-channel fuselage former

Thanks everybody for some good suggestions.
I found my paper ACS catalog and found the part number. For future reference, it's 03-46500.
When I put that number in their online store, it pulls up the right part, but it looks like it's a lot cheaper to buy than previously thought. I think that I'll just buy new pieces because it looks like it will cost less than $50 for the whole airplane.