One thing always comes to mind about metalizing formerly fabric airplanes. I applies to more than just Coupes, like Tripacers, Colts, Luscombes, Stinsons, Cessna 120/140, etc.
Remember that in the 1940s, when these airplanes were designed, the only fabrics then were linen and cotton, which had life expectancies of about 10 years or so, max. So, the design engineers knew that the airplane would be completely opened up and inspected, during the process of re-covering, about every decade. Often enough to catch most corrosion, and other destructive problems, before they would lead to a dangerous condition. Now, with synthetic fabrics lasting at least 20 years, and well beyond that if always hangared, those original assumptions are no longer valid. Yet, at some point the airplane is opened up for re-covering. But with metal covering, you lose that safety measure that was designed into the airplane. Just food for thought. Jerry E. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]on Behalf Of Ed Burkhead Sent: Wednesday, September 09, 2009 1:19 PM To: [email protected] Subject: SPAM-LOW: RE: {Disarmed} Re: [ercoupe-tech] 'Metalizing' fabric wings. I've got to agree with Kevin. Each year, there's someone out there who'd like to replace their metalized wings with fabric covered wings for the reasons cited. Trade if you must but don't damage a perfectly good set of fabric covered wings. Also, I think that fabric wing covering can last longer than 10 years even when tied down outside. As a very wise person once said to me, with fabric covered wings you can take the coverings off every 20 years or so and inspect and fix everything inside much more easily than you can with metal covered wings. I think there ought to be a fair number of Coupes flying on their 100th birthdays. Only 37 years and counting for the majority of them. Ed
