Wood "T" Stringers

[tmmiller]

Since my Chief was done incorrectly by the previous restorer (No "T" stringers were used) I need a close up picture of where the T stringers transition onto the wood formers on top of the cabin. Am I clear on this? How is the transition made to hold the T stringers in place where they meet the wooden structure on top of the cabin? If you have a picture of this, please e-mail me at mill2583@bellsouth.net Thanks a million...Matt

[Nathan K. Hammond]

Matt, I don't know if these will help or not, but here are a few pics I have. Sorry I don't have a better close up.

nkh







nkh

[tmmiller]

Nate..Thanks for the pictures. It looks like the transition is the old "Tape Transition"...Perhaps I am focusing too much on how the factory did it. I should just get out my roll of tape and forget it...Matt

[joea]

Matt,

One other thing. Most people today use bolts to fit the wood to the fuselage but the factory used a very light metal fitting. Forget what they are called but believe that some guys used very thinwall copper tubing flared at each end to do the job. Saved a few ounces.

If you are going to try to get anywhere close to the factory weight on your airplane it takes going to extreme weight saving measures like this.

[Mac]

Those fittings are called Waterbury eyelets. Don't ask me where to get them, I think they are scarce as hen's teeth.

Scott

[Jody Wittmeyer]

For all the places the waterbury eyelets went you can buy some 1/4" soft copper tubing. Cut it in 3/8" lengths, slip it through the hole in the metal tabs and the former. I used a bucking bar and air chisel with a flat faced (hammer) bit. Works great. Old fasioned hammer and bucking bar worls too. Practice on a couple first before you start on the real deal.

[Nathan K. Hammond]

Matt, how was it done previously on your Chief?

nkh

[tmmiller]

Nate, the previous restoration did not use any T stringers. They simply uses the flat stringers overall. I have the factory drawings that show where the T stringers go, but it is not detailed enough to show who they blended into the wood that is over the cabin. Forgert waterbury eyelets, I have already installed the new formers with AN bolts.