Lloyd Thompson's L-16B

David Johnson · Post by **David Johnson** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 09:50

Old Fart progress report: Fuselage almost ready to cover. Would be farther along if I was giving him any help....I heard Tater was up around ATL, learning to write with an Ultra Cub(smoke). Guess the crayons are old hat now!

Look at the ugly mug in the lower right corner!

Post by **joea** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:17

Looks nice and keep chugging away.

I talked with Tater, uh... Nathan yesterday and he said that he was fiddling with a Cub, but this one tried to go agro and was cutting bush and trees for a while.

Joe

David Johnson · Post by **David Johnson** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 07:56

Guys, is everyone using an AN6H bolt for a replacement for the AN76 located at the main strut attach compression fitting in the wing? I have in the past reused the original bolt. Just wondered if there was a better answer. The only bolt available is a -17, so I will have a few extra washers. David J.

David Johnson · Post by **David Johnson** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 09:16

Heads up on new ribs. Have both Univair and Wag ribs. Univair ribs are slightly longer from flange to flange. They get squeezed when the wings are together. Ref photo.

I am going to disassemble a large part of what is already done to fix the problem with a hand seamer. PITA. Wag ribs seem to fit good. David J.

N3840E · Post by **N3840E** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 10:13

Thanks for posting that. I'm in need of ribs. If a builder was to use all Univair ribs then it seems like you would have this problem at each rib. Replacement ribs are way to expensive to have to work on them after you get them.

Post by **joea** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 10:21

If there is a difference in the ribs in this area then there will be a difference in the spacing between the spars. Make sure you make a jig to check for the wing mounting points where it bolts to the fuselage.

I personally know of one Chief restoration who did not do this and the airplane is now out there flying (and for sale on Barnstormers right now)(no, its not mine!) who did not do this. The wing spar attach points did not match and they "jury rigged" an adapter to bolt the wing on the fuselage! NOT SAFE!

David Johnson · Post by **David Johnson** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 11:27

Joe, the spacing between the spars is correct. 29 1/4". This is set by the compression members. Spar center to center is 30". You always have to check the butt rib so everything will fit correctly. The ribs from Univair are not off much, just enough to put some preload on them. I ain't real happy with it. Put this much work in something you want it to come out good. I have always recieved very good parts from Univair, but will use Wag ribs from here out. Don't want to pay for new parts and have to fix them. Sometimes the butt rib will deform and make the spar spacing too close. If this happens the butt rib is weak/bad or you have too much tension on the wires. Have had to shim the butt rib before to make it all fit perfectly. Wanted everyone to be aware of this, before the wings are mostly together. Need to be aware the shims are in the correct place on the heavy ribs, they help to keep the spars straight and not twisted. I sincerely hope no one is flying with something jury rigged in this area. Scares me to death! Where you at today Joe? How is the Sedan situation? Hope everyone is OK. Been quite lately. David J.

Post by **joea** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 11:31

David,

Am in North Platte Nebraska on a flight. Tomorrow to Ruidoso and Monday to Coeur d'Alene. Back home on the 6th.

New owner of the Chief arrives on the 7th and I may depart to Ohio to pick up the Sedan on the weekend.

Joe

David Johnson · Post by **David Johnson** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 11:54

AwwwwwRight! Post some photos of the Sedan when you get it so we will all know which one it is. David J.

David Johnson · Post by **David Johnson** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 08:41

You guys making your own spars, might want to check your drag wire holes before building up the wing. I am having to go backwards some to get them just right. The wires were pulling on the wood a little bit. Having to file to get some clearance and revarnish the holes inside. David J.

David Johnson · Post by **David Johnson** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 11:21

More wing work. Going together pretty good. Except for the wing tank. Lloyd had to take it in and out a bunch of times to get everything to fit OK. And not rub the drag wires or anywhere else. I learned some new words yesterday......Hope to have them together in 3-4 weeks. Different colors are from having to switch primer brands in the middle of a project. Heavy rib outboard of aileron is same as 7CCM. Does anyone have paperwork to back this up? Lloyd has an early 7CCM disassembled that was built like this. Joe, great news on the Sedan! Hope the weather clears so you can get home. David J.

Paul Agaliotis · Post by **Paul Agaliotis** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 11:32

David,
I have a wing with a factory installed wing tank. I'll take a look for you.
Looking through all of my printed material for parts breakdown If I find the paperwork I'll send it your way.
Paul

David Johnson · Post by **David Johnson** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 11:41

Paul, Thank You! I don't have a lot of printed material for the 7CCM or 7EC. Anything you have would be appreciated. You guys make plans to come to Middletown again? Hope so, we had fun. David J.

Paul Agaliotis · Post by **Paul Agaliotis** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 12:26

David,
Carl and I both plan to attend again. Right now we are putting together an 85 for his Champ and finishing up the fuselage on his project. We would both love to fly back but getting that amount of time off is tough. If I could arrange some kind of hangar space for a few months, prior or post convention, it would make the trip easier.
We need to get together a little sooner next time, it felt like we all were on first date behavior. Except Joe!
Paul

Paul Agaliotis · Post by **Paul Agaliotis** » Tue Sep 02, 2008 14:33

David,
All of the wings have a standard rib at the OB aileron location. The trailing edge area has a plywood wedge secured for support.
Paul