RV-4 Wing Spar HELP!!

Mopar591 · #1 09-28-2012, 05:01 PM

I recently bought a wing kit, the Spars are already built. I can't find the stamped serial numbers on the wing spars, and the center section fittings. I have spoken to vans and the guy with tech said he "thinks" that on the early kits (90s) they were stamped on the spar parts at the inboard end. I have looked and looked and can't find any numbers. I hope that I didn't "waste" the money on this kit.. If worse case is I have to buy new spars at $2,800 for the set that is pre assembled. If I do buy new spars will they work with the remainder of my old kit?

My second problem is the spar has what looks like missed holes. The guy that built them looked like he miss drilled holes. I'm not for sure of this as I haven't looked at the prints yet, but structurally will one missed hole affect the structure of the wing??

Any input y'all can give would be appreciated.

Thanks, Tyler

Michael Henning · #2 09-28-2012, 05:13 PM

I have Phlogistan Spars, and have never seen any serial numbers on them. They are anodized and match drilled to the main bulk head (F-404 I think). There will be some empty holes where the bolts go through to attach spar to F-404 and also wing ribs. Go look at the drawings and see what you got before you panic.... there will be plenty of time to panic later in the building process. Good luck on the build, it is a long, but rewarding process. I am finishing up now.

Mike S · #3 09-28-2012, 05:14 PM

Tyler, please post photos of the holes you are concerned about, it will help folks to give an accurate recommendation.

Mopar591 · #4 09-28-2012, 05:19 PM

Thanks for the replies. These spars are green and I see no signs of anodizing, that's what worried me. I did see on top of each peice there was dots from a center punch.. They all have a different number of dots indicating a dif. Number.

Mike- I will post pics as soon as I get to a computer.

Mopar591 · #5 10-02-2012, 06:10 AM

nauga · #6 10-02-2012, 08:07 AM

I'd be more concerned about the edge distance on the thick (~1/2x1/2) inboard spacer than about the smaller holes in the web. You say you've already spoken to vans, did you show them these pictures? That one definitely needs an expert look.

The root ends of the spars used to be center-punched with a series of dots to ID order and placement...I'll look in my notes for more details, I remember there being something on it in what passed for a manual back then.

Mopar591 · #7 10-02-2012, 08:17 AM

I haven't showed them the pics yet. I am waiting for them to open and I'll be calling tech and emailing them over as soon as possible.. I have a bad feeling I'll be investing a lot more money buying new spars.

RV Jerry · #8 10-02-2012, 08:22 AM

Line the spar with center bulk head if holes line up you are good to go.
The holes near compression members may be for ribs if previous builder pre drilled if not no big deal.
All spars exept very early ones came factory drilled.

Mopar591 · #9 10-02-2012, 08:47 AM

Jerry- what's your take on the edge distance on the inboard spacer? Also should the miss drilled holes be patche with a piece or aluminum?

nauga · #10 10-02-2012, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mopar591

Also should the miss drilled holes be patche with a piece or aluminum?

Take a close look at the plans...are those 'miss drilled' holes where the rib flanges get riveted? I don't have my plans in front of me but the open spar flange holes next to each row tells me that's where the rib angles get bolted. A row of open holes on the spar web next to each one is probably for the flanged end of the ribs.