I didn't realize what a good deal I had until it was gone. For the past five years, my husband has taken care of all the maintenance on our 120. All I had to worry about was flying it. Well now he's run off and bought his own airplane and left the 120 maintenance to me. So I'm trying to figure this out one step at a time.
My first order of business is the struts. They are looking pretty rusty. Do I need to remove them in order to paint them? Any advice on stripping the old paint or sanding. Thanks!
Painting wing struts
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- lora
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2019 11:47 am
- Name: Lora
- Location: Oklahoma
- Aircraft Type: C120
- Occupation-Interests:
- Contact:
Painting wing struts
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- 6643
- Posts: 2443
- Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:00 am
- Name: John C
- Location: KLCI, NH
- Aircraft Type: 1946 C140/C90
- Occupation-Interests: A&P, semi-retired
- Contact:
Re: Painting wing struts
Those look pretty nasty! I would suggest removing them, propping the wings (if it's inside) and stripping them. Then, treat the rust, prime and paint. When you paint, be sure to get good coverage on the leading and trailing edges first. Painting the flat surfaces is easy. Getting good coverage on the edges is much harder.
OBTW, left and right are not the same...
OBTW, left and right are not the same...
John Cooper
www.skyportservices.net
www.skyportservices.net
- lora
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2019 11:47 am
- Name: Lora
- Location: Oklahoma
- Aircraft Type: C120
- Occupation-Interests:
- Contact:
Re: Painting wing struts
Thanks for the advice! I was afraid they would need to be removed. Do you have any suggestions for bracing the wings? It is in an inside hangar.
- 6339
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:00 am
- Name: Steve Rose
- Location: New Port Richey,FL FA40
- Aircraft Type: '48 140
- Occupation-Interests: Retired Navy Maintainer
- Contact:
Re: Painting wing struts
I’ve found that 2 6ft stepladders with kitchen chair cushions placed under the outermost ribs are the perfect height. Have a helper to manipulate the wingtips and don’t forget to remove the wing/ fuselage fairings.
Good luck!
Good luck!
- 6898
- Posts: 327
- Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:00 am
- Name: Jeff T
- Location: IS65 Sandwich IL.
- Aircraft Type: 48 140 C90
- Occupation-Interests: Auto,Marine&Aviation Repair
- Contact:
Re: Painting wing struts
Sent you a PM
Jeff T 1948 C-140 NC3600V
Past President 120 140 Assoc. 2019-2023
Past President 120 140 Assoc. 2019-2023
- lora
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2019 11:47 am
- Name: Lora
- Location: Oklahoma
- Aircraft Type: C120
- Occupation-Interests:
- Contact:
Re: Painting wing struts
Okay, good idea. Thanks! I think I can do this!
- 6643
- Posts: 2443
- Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:00 am
- Name: John C
- Location: KLCI, NH
- Aircraft Type: 1946 C140/C90
- Occupation-Interests: A&P, semi-retired
- Contact:
Re: Painting wing struts
Do NOT try to rest the outboard end of the strut on the ground while the inboard end is still in the gear box. It will damage the skin under the cutout and that piece has the whole rest of the plane attached to it.
John Cooper
www.skyportservices.net
www.skyportservices.net