RV6 Wing Spar Bolt Removal

[phdugdale]

Hello
Need to remove the wings for repainting, any recommendations on getting the spar bolts out, lube & hammer/punch, or making a fixture/other?
Thanks, Peter

[Zero4Zulu]

Keep the spar layers held together when tapping out the bolts. If the spar layers start separating, it tends to make the bolts lock up so they don't tap out easily. Undersize bolts reinstalled will hold the layers together until you get all the tight tolerance bolts out, then remove the undersize bolts.

[jmbrwn]

Would also recommend using a pneumatic wrench. Much easier and faster.

[rocketbob]

Rivet gun with long punch set. Like butta

[lr172]

I have painted two sets of wings and also installed wings on my 6. Given the amount of effort necessary to pull the wings on a 6 (I swore I would sell mine before I ever considered pulling the wings off), I would consider painting them in place. Yes, no fun painting the bottoms via a creeper, but also less likely to get runs on the LE when held vertical.

When I painted the 10, I did the bottom on a creeper and wasn't as bad as I had expected.

Larry

[Kyle Boatright]

Originally Posted by lr172

I have painted two sets of wings and also installed wings on my 6. Given the amount of effort necessary to pull the wings on a 6 (I swore I would sell mine before I ever considered pulling the wings off), I would consider painting them in place. Yes, no fun painting the bottoms via a creeper, but also less likely to get runs on the LE when held vertical.

Creeper? Naah. Chock the thing, get a good rope around the tailwheel and nose it forward. Maybe put one stand under the tail and one under the crank once you get it tilted forward.

Then you can spray it at a fairly convenient height and attitude.

And I agree. Pulling the wings would be a rotten job.

[Walt]

Originally Posted by phdugdale

Hello
Need to remove the wings for repainting, any recommendations on getting the spar bolts out, lube & hammer/punch, or making a fixture/other?
Thanks, Peter

Seems insane to remove the wings for paint, a ton of work and the potential for damage far exceeds the reward.

[Sam Buchanan]

Maybe he wants to paint in a booth that is too small for an assembled RV?

But if that isn't the case...don't pull the wings.

[AlexPeterson]

I'd brush paint the undersides of the wings before I'd try to take the wings off a 6...

[phdugdale]

Thanks for the ideas/input
Yes, wing removal is not the first choice but to use an off airport paint booth , no other options..... I built a -6 so I have an appreciation of the work effort.....