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Greetings all;
I will start by saying, it was a very productive day at the airport
today. I succeeded in removing the wing tanks, and looking over the
forward side of the main spar, inspecting for corrosion. (You know that
dreaded white powdery stuff)and I am happy to report that only a few
small spots were visable. By small I mean, only bread crumb size, and
very light. this made me happy.
Looking through the holes in the end rib,revealed the same condition
on the back side of the main spar. However as I looked further aft, I
could see some light surface corrosion towards the aft end of the
internal ribs.
I had noticed on the top side of the wing walk box towards the
trailing edge that a few of the rivet heads had popped. This told me I
had better see how deteriorated the missing rivets had become. Not
holding back, I proceeded to drill the top skin off of the left wing
walk box. Including removing the non-skid wing walk material to expose
the flush head rivets, securing the corrigated material under the skin.
As I peeled the walkway material off, I noticed a few of the rivet
heads were coming off with the material......Not Good.....I told myself.
Now with all the rivet heads drilled off, and the rivet butts
knocked out, I seperated the trailing edge slowly and peeked inside.
What I found was not really a surprise, considering all of the
indications I was seeing.
The corrigated pieces aft of the rear spar where almost a solid
white powder. the top skin in that same area was in a similar state.
Since the corrigated piece aft of the spar was in such a poor condition,
all of the rivets holding it to the support angles on the sides were
virtually gone. Lifting it carefully to keep the white dust to a
minimum, I looked deeper into the box. The center aft rib was flaked
and layered much like a really good flaky pie crust would
be...........Intergrainular Corrosion...........My eyes closed. I set
the pieces down and quietly picked up my tools. I headed home to give my
wife the news. On the ride home, Thoughts running through my head. Is
it less expensive to buy the pieces one at a time as money will allow?
or would it be better to purchase the service assemblies? or would it be
better to......I dare not think of it....scrap S/N 457?
Knowing my present finacial condition, and knowing, the only way I
can afford to get a plane in the air, Scrapping is not an option.
Purchasing the service assemblies is the way to go, but alas, this too,
at this time,is not a viable option. I guess it will be one piece at a
time.......that equates to .....let me see..........uh........yeah thats
it..........twenty five years.
For all that are restoring a Coupe. Check in the wing walk area,
trailing edge, aft of the rear spar especially, for corrosion. Look
closely at the center trailing edge rib on the inboard side if you can.
Happy Landings
Christopher Lawson
N87284 S/N 457
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