Making new spars for a 7BCM

[joea]

If I ever win the lotto, I know one of the people I am going to hire to help me restore antique airplanes! Very nice work and good idea with the tubing.

[s35pilot]

Thanks Joe, I'm available!

I'm working on the Pitot/static system and this is how, I decided to install the lines, I fabricated this bracket to mount to the front jury strut bracket.

I used a piece of 3/4x3/4 alum. angle, drill holes for 3/16 snap bushings and a 1/4 hole to mount to the lower jury strut bracket.

Here it is installed with the lines and bushings. It lets the lines out just behind the jury strut bracket.

I used the 3/16 bushings for rest the ribs. The 3/16" Nylaflow tubing and snap bushings are from Aircraft Spruce. I recieved the new aileron cables from Univair today so, I will get started on the them in the next day or so.

[Rafael]

Starting to make spare fro my '38 Chief. How could I borrow the jig to drill the holes for the compression straps?
Thanks
Rafael

[David Johnson]

Rafael, the jig came from the Georgia Boys. I think Lloyd has it back. I think the pre war is slightly different. Not sure, we only deal with 7AC and newer. We want to help you, but are afraid of messing you up. Someone who knows the pre war vs post war differences needs to chime in. Tool is made for a 7AC. If you think it will help you, let me know. Your call all the way...David J.

[Rafael]

Thanks for looking into it for me guys.Per 5-20 the angle is 37 degrees and 45 minutes. Per 5-146 which is for the 11ac, 7ac the angle is 37 degrees and 22 minnutes. So a difference of 23 minutes of a degree , not a factor. So how can I track that jig?
Tks
Rafael

[David Johnson]

Rafael, Not good news. I looked at the fitting blueprints. 1-422 for KM, 1-2301 for 7AC. They are close, but not exact. The hole width are different by 1/32, and the height different by 1/32 or so. On the angles that will make the holes off more than that. If you still want the jig, send me an email with your address and I will get if from Lloyd and send it. Just don't want to mess you up. Email is n8926(at)earthlink.net. Holes for a 7AC are 7/32 IIRC. David J.

[s35pilot]

Well, I know it's been a long time since I last post any progress, I'm finally back to work on the wings. I just finished the learning process of Poly Fiber Covering (well, still learning) but, ready to finish the Aeronca wings. I built a set of Scout wings for a friend of mine, I mentioned him before, the guy with the banner towing business here in Long Beach. Bob has had extensive experience with the Poly Fiber process and has shared him knowledge with me. The Scout are work horses and need regular spar inspections, the way this has been made easier is with Rainbow airs inspection covers. I decide to install them on the Aeronca, they are approved. This photo shows the start and I will show the process, I will not show all the diamensions as they come with instructions when you order from Ron. Instaling them before the leading edge goes on is easier but still doable if you have already completed they leading edges as I have.


I did the cuting with my dia grinder and cleaned up the edges with a file.

Drilled as per Rainbow's instructions.

This is not a very good photo but, here it is after installation, it is installed with 1/8 pop rivets.
That's approved also.

It takes 2 per wing but, will really make future spar inspection simple.

Here's a photo of the Scout wings I built and help cover. I plan on starting the Aeronca wings next week, I have a few hours of little knit picky things to do first. I will post as much of the process as I can.

[Aerco]

Looking at those two dozen inspection coves, I can't help thinking of a big long zipper instead....

[joea]

Looking at those two dozen inspection coves, I can't help thinking of a big long zipper instead....

Peter,

At least now we know that they were not needed. But, just in case it might not be a bad idea to have the rings there.

I want to see what the wings and airplane look like when painted!

Joe

[joea]

Has anyone heard how this build is going? Sure would like to see a photo of these wings on a beautiful airplane!!

Joe A