Salvaging a wing

[James Mills]

I had a Tempest 2 that I was planning to refinish but when I took the top block off found that the doublers on the nose had totally detached themselves from the motor mounts so decided the fuse was a lost cause.  I saved the wing, flaps, stab and elevator.  I did notice that some of the sheeting on the wing in the center is a little soft.  The spars are solid (carbon reinforced).   What should I check before I go through all the work to build a new fuse (around the wing)?  I plan to upgrade to Tom Morris controls on the next one.

Thanks,

James

[john e. holliday]

Where are our expert rebuilders?  I would say or ask, is the parts/components you have still in top notch condition.  Sounds like the wing sheeting might need to come off to check the inards.  Also are the horns and hinges in good shape.  Don't forget the leadouts.  If all looks good go with new fuse.   DOC Holliday

[James Mills]

I have a feeling allot of the guys are at SIG right now.  Basically the wing is in good shape I think, just a little concerned about the sheeting.  Doesn't look like any oil got to it.  I had already planned on replacing the leadouts, made the mistake of cutting one shorter than the other when I built the thing.  Horns look good also, although not sure if I'll have to change them to use ball links or not (clearance issue?).

Thanks,

James

[Bill Little]

Hi James,

If the spars are not damaged (it sounds like a built up wing), I would do as Ty says with about a 4" wide piece of 1/2 oz fiberglass and Z-Poxy or another slow dry epoxy.  Just squeege off all the epoxy you can.  This will add all the stength you need to the sheeting.  Oh, yeah, cut the fiberglass in a "long elipse" to reduce the stess riser.

Wings are usually "recycleable".