The Cessna 120-140 Association Forum

Looking for a couple missing parts on my 1946 Cessna 120. The fairing panels on either side of the base of the verticle stabilizer ( items 23 and 24 of figure 1) are each held on by 3 sheet metal screws but there is a 4th hole in the middle of each fairing. There is nothing for a screw or bolt to attach too under these holes. The parts manual calls for two clips (part No. 0430008 clip-spring attaching) and a spring (part No. S-4-2). So I assume a clip is put in each hole and a spring is connected between the underside of each clip. I called Cessna today they couldn't seem to find any info on these parts. They are listed in Figure 1 of the I.P.C.parts manual for C120-C140 pg's 2 and 3.

Does anyone know where i can get replacements? Is there something I am not seeing? Is this fairing going to pull loose if it doesnt have the center clip and spring connecting it to the other side fairing?

I think the "clips" are (or can be replaced by) two #8 Tinnerman U type nuts and a bit of aluminum strip bent into about a 120 degree angle. Drill a hole in one leg of the angle for the clip and a #8 type "B" screw, and in the other leg for the spring. The spring is a fairly weak coil spring, like a screen door closer spring, cut to length so that it is short enough to put a little tension between the two panels and long enough that you can stretch it and reach under the panel to connect and disconnect one side. Connect the spring to one panel, install that panel, then reach in and hold the spring and clip while you attach it to the second panel.

I've never tried it, and can't really see that part of the plane in flight anyway, but I'm guessing the panels would bow out excessively without the spring.

My setup, nothing fancy, make sure when you adjust the tabs that the spring doesn't interfere with nearby control cable...

Thank you. I will try that