More Sawdust

Work on 53T continues...We filled up the propane tank last night so we're back in business.  Tonight I finished cutting out and getting a rough fit on the big rib so now all the ribs that were removed from the right wing have new replacements.  They look good and the next step is to get them epoxied in place.

While I've been doing this rib work i've been eyeing the trailing edge behind the airbrake.  There is some twisting going on as a result of oversized return springs used on the airbrake.  This torqued the middle rib that runs through the airbrake area.  Of course we replaced the right hand rib.  The left hand rib in the airbrake area was also twisted. Guilt by association I suppose.  Anyway I figured if I could cut out the trailing edge in that section I could have a chance at getting the ribs sorta straight again and back in place.  So, now 3 feet of trailing edge on the right wing are missing.

Looks like it's time to make another order from Aircraft Spruce...

Cherokee II Pictures from the San Diego Air & Space Museum

I was just googling around and ran across these, which I've never seen before.  According to the pictures it was built by Duke Stallings, I'm not sure if it was ever completed. I don't recall seeing a canopy quite like that before.  Will have to do some research...Pictures start here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/4589752619/in/photostream/

Cutting Ribs

I haven't made many updates in the last few weeks because we haven't been getting much work done on 53T.  Some winter prep work around the house and in the garage has been my focus.  Specifically i've nearly finished the last bits of insulating that needed done on the walls of the garage.  We'll need to finish the last few pieces of sheetrock on the ceiling so I can finish insulating the season. 

I have had a few chances to cut out a few new ribs for the right wing.  I have two false ribs and the one big main rib remaining to be cut.  Then of course we'll need new skin and filler to get everything smoothed out.  I'm starting to contemplate replacing a section of the trailing edge to attempt to take care of some ribs that are warped.We'll see...