I am going to have to replace the belly skins on an old coupe. What thickness should I use? The skins on the bottom of my coupe are slightly wavy and it would seem like the rear spar is a weak point because I have seen several that are similar to mine. In taking my project coupe apart i find the outboard end of the rear right spar is buckled right where the steel wing attachment is. there is also a small crack in the lower flange edge. This would all indicate a life of hard landings has it's toll on the end of this spar. It has the rear spar reinforcement on the inboard end of it so I am guessing the spar is made of the thinner sheet metal. they went to something thicker after a certain serial #. I have seen Univair's prices and had my laugh. I have access to a bender brake and sheets of alloy. I just don't know whether: A) replace the rear spar making one out of thicker alloy sheet metal. B) repair the existing spar by adding a thicker angle piece of alloy to the forward side and rivet it in. C) Both A and B D) Just use thicker belly skins as the reinforcement for the rear spar. E) A, B and D
All previous experience is welcome. Recommended thicknesses appreciated. Bucking bar partner needed. Alan fairclough N96496 N87333
