Need De-wing Advice

Your problem is somewhat similar to folding the wings on a Fly Baby... how do you hold things together as the structural integrity is removed?

I think your first step would be to insert temporary supports below the lower wings, about where the interplane struts attach, along the forward spar.  There should be some sort of "hard point" there... might be the tiedown ring itself.  If you find one, a jack stand will probably work to support the wing.  If nothing else, cut a piece of plywood to match the curvature of the lower wing, pad it (the foam pipe insulation would probably work, attach it to a sawhorse, and slide it under the wing.  Chock the wheels, of course, so it doesn't move.

At that point, you should be able to disconnect the struts from one upper wing panel (assuming it's not a one-piece wing), remove it, then repeat for the other side.

Ron,

Thanks for your input. After reading your post, I see it in my head now. I think that is a great idea and should work.

Chris

Chris,

What city are you in? 

Doug

doug_snead@yahoo.com

Looks like he's in Minneapolis, Flying Cloud Airport, according to his blog:

http://westonkarcflyers.com/wordpress/ 

Funny thing, I was contacted a couple of months back by the grandson of ANOTHER early homebuilder.  He was looking for the plane his grandfather had built in the mid '50s.  I aimed him at the present owner, who did have it for sale.  Don't know if he bought it...

BTW, Chris, on your blog you say, "Since I don’t fall under the FAA’s 51% rule, there will be a few thousand dollars worth of upgrades and repair work that will need to be done. "  If the airplane is licensed as Experimental Amateur-Built, *anyone* can perform maintenance or restoration.  You don't need to hire someone to do the work.  However, you will need a licensed A&P to sign off a condition inspection, which means you'll have to do the work to their standards.

Your local chapter should be able to give you some help on restoration, and maybe point you to an A&P.

Hey Doug,

I live just outside of Minneapolis. The Plane is in Omaha, NE and I am getting ready to bring it to MN.

-Chris

Ron, Thanks for the info. I am starting to understand that rule a little better now.

This is great website and hope to spend some time here, as my experience level rises I hope I can offer up some good advice as well.

FYI - The link to my blog has changed to http://www.durandskyranch.com 

-Chris