Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I am looking at a fuselage project that has the main wing attachment bolt holes already drilled in the fuselage bulkhead (that is under the pilots/passenger legs).

I have a set of wings that are completed. Is there a reasonable way I can mate these wings on this fuselage and account for the likely issue of the main wing attachment bolt holes not matching up perfectly?

I would remake the fuselage spar , Make a new spar and mate it to the wing, using the attach fittings, then install it in the fuselage. Duke and I just did one.

Thanks Bill. I just bought it.

well, here she is. Now I want to mate the empennage and wings, and go make airplane noises...

Looking good Billy Ray ! One thing you might want to do is remove the "red" tape , especially if it is the really sticky stucco type tape . If you leave it on too long a lot of the adhesive will remain on the AC when it comes time to remove the tape . Then its a lot of goo be gone (water based only !) to get the funky stuff off . Go ahead , ask me how I know . Go ahead ask me !!

RB

RB,
Just how do you know this stuff?????

inquiring minds want to know! >:D

_________________
Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Auburn, WA USA

S or T?
Cubes

Its the T variety.

Bruce : My knowledge of the "Red Tape" came to me in a vision while moving the controls behind the curtain ! Actually from using the stuff for many years around the house , especially when using it to put up plastic sheeting to protect the house when pouring concrete . It was the only stuff that would stick to the stucco siding of the house and then the name..."Stucco Tape" was born ! Yes , it is actually called stucco tape . The holding power was so good I used it for other projects and when I left it on too long...well you know the rest of the story . You can find it at Home Depot in isle 7 , bin #11 .

RB

A note on drilling the spar bolts...I made an eight degree angle out of 1/4" x 2" angle iron overall length was about 3 feet. Clamped this to the spar and using a mill drilled the holes, repeat the other wing spar. This will give you the same dihederal both sides. It might be less or more than 8 but will be the same each side. I always say make the same mistake both sides and no one will ever noti

that's a good tip Bill, thanks.

Got her home and on the gear (tailwheel is temporary). Happy Turkey Legs!

Looks good looking forward to progress pictures of your project

_________________
John Letkeman
N2562K SN.922
Seminole Tx
(KGNC)

Looks like the partially completed project I bought back in 1984 ! One tip when you get ready to make the trim strips for the canopy and windshield , go to the 99 cent store and buy a bunch of the large poster boards (2 for 1.00) and use then to make your templates before you begin to cut the aluminum strips . You will be surprised how much aluminum you will use when it comes time to make them for real !

RB

I am trying to install the 602 Fittings that attaches to the fuselage at the 601 bulkhead (where the front main wings attach to the fuselage). The plans call for a NAS 177-6-5 Hi-Shear Rivet with a NAS 179-6 Collar to be installed in the top corner. Is there a suitable substitute everyone has been using here in place of the hi-shear rivet and collar? I have attached some pictures to (hopefully) make it clear what area I am discussing. In the second photo I am pointing to the rivet in question.