GCBC Wing Recover - Question on Screws and Inspection Cover

Tailwheel Rick

Tailwheel Rick

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Joined
Dec 28, 2019
Messages
35
Location
Ridgeway, VA
I'm recovering the wings of a 79 GCBC. They are original with nails. I know Rainbow has an STC for screws instead of nails. Any advice on this? Overkill? It looks like for $199, you just get paperwork, Right? Do they prescribe stainless screws from another source? Next, I know folks also install the spar inspection plates (also available from Rainbow). Like the screws, I'm sure folks on this forum have the skinny on these. Personally, I really don't like opening the tops of wings to the elements, but perhaps someone can weigh in on this mod as well. Many thanks.
 
If your nails are pulling out, then you need to do something. If they are all solid, I personally would leave them alone.

Here's the deal with that AD: it requires you to inspect every square inch of all four spars with a bend-a-light and mirror. You might do that while your wings are uncovered, and see just how difficult it really is.

Ron knows that the critical area is just outside the spar attach point - and he knows that a proper inspection cannot be done without it. It is an admission that even the experts cannot do the inspection properly per the AD with the wing covered. Otherwise, you would need Ron's kit in each bay!

There is more to it: the only way you get compression cracks is by hitting something. The FAA assumes you won't admit it, and depends on your IA to spot your dirty deed. If you plan on not admitting to an impact, or on letting others fly your airplane, then for safety's sake you need the window.

Does any of that help?
 
I'm not sure when they started using ring nails. We opened up a wing that had a tip touch recently on the Scout. The compression fracture wasn't outboard of the strut as usual. It was inboard where the doubler stops on the aft spar.

I was impressed at how tight all the nails were. And, the overall condition of the spars. Everything looked quite good.
 
Not really. If those things are so fragile that touching the hangar door on the way in causes a compression crack, we need to know. Did it "touch" or was it slammed into something with force?
 
Bob Turner said:
Not really. If those things are so fragile that touching the hangar door on the way in causes a compression crack, we need to know. Did it "touch" or was it slammed into something with force?
Click to expand...

Bob,

You've watched Ron's YouTube on what it takes to create a compression fracture.
 
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