Wind damaged rebuild of Cessna 180

phantomphixer · Post by **phantomphixer** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 10:16 pm

I know it's not a 170 but just looking for inputs. Looking at buying a 54' 180, that was turned over in a storm. RH Landing gear replaced/PPonk added-new horiz stab. I'll have to replace L/R elev /R aileron and repair 3' of the right wing/spar. Can anyone in the group give me a heads up on what to look for during the wing repair? 4 of us are buying/repairing just to sell it. Only 150 hrs eng SMOH.

Jr.CubBuilder · Post by **Jr.CubBuilder** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 12:47 am

Just promise to fly it and have some fun with it before you sell it

I wish I had the time and capital to do something like that.

c170b53 · Post by **c170b53** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 5:18 am

Oh Boy, look at it hard its amazing what will jump out at you when you give it a chance.

wingnut · Post by **wingnut** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 12:03 pm

phantomphixer,
There are no economic benefits to repairing the spar versus replacing the outboard spar segment. A fixture to re-establish and maintain symmetry during the repair is very desirable.

Indopilot · Post by **Indopilot** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 2:41 pm

Assuming the damage is from the second from the tip rib outboard, you are looking at both ribs, both middle stringers, the aux spar fwd of the aileron, three skins, and the outboard section of the front spar.
When the structural repair manual section was written for the service manual, people tended to repair what they had, as in splice in good sections to replace damage. Now days the tendency is to replace. The manual gives you the info you need depending on which way you plan to go. As Wingnut said you will need a fixture to hold everything aligned as you work on it. The manual also gives you the twist for the wing and instructions to build the tool used to check that twist as you go to make sure you end up within specs. Also requies a bubble protractor.
Depending on the hours on your project 180 you should check the three ribs and skin outboard of the strut attach point for cracks in the top forward corners by the spar. Also look closely at the front spar main angle and bulbed stiffner. Those parts are extruded aluminum and develop intergranuler corrossion easily. Any area of corrossion should be highly suspect. Any raised spots and your goose is cooked.
Have fun. Brian