Rudder re-skinning

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

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Kyle Wolfe
Posts: 706
Joined: Mon Mar 17, 2003 12:30 am

Rudder re-skinning

Post by Kyle Wolfe »

OK, it appears that I need to have my rudder re-skinned. Don't ask - I'm still PO'd at the guy who had 100+ yards to his right but decided to pass close to me on his left....... :evil:

Anyway, how about some tips on what else I need to look at when getting an estimate. Beside the obvious stuff like the horizontal and veritcal stablizer attchements, the bearing, and cables, what else should be examined when some SOB runs into your rudder?

Appreciate your insights guys.
Kyle
54 B N1932C
57 BMW Isetta
Best original 170B - Dearborn, MI 2005
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GAHorn
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Re: Rudder re-skinning

Post by GAHorn »

Look at the bellcrank and rudder stops at the bellcrank to be sure they weren't slammed/deformed. Inspect the internal cables and pulleys to be certain they were not pulled loose from structure due to stress. Were you in the airplane? Did you feel it thru the rudder pedals? Are you certain your elevator system was untouched?

Contact Del Lehman of Mountain Airframe, Mena AR for his advice on the repair.
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
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Kyle Wolfe
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Re: Rudder re-skinning

Post by Kyle Wolfe »

I was not in the airplane but was nearby enjoying a morning coffee. The a/c was tied down. It did not appear to move or get repositioned. The elevator does have several minor wrinkles.

Del, would sure appreciate you comments....
Kyle
54 B N1932C
57 BMW Isetta
Best original 170B - Dearborn, MI 2005
wingnut
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Re: Rudder re-skinning

Post by wingnut »

Kyle,
George covered everything to look for. It appears, from your description, that the rudder contacted an elevator. If so, I would be inclined to believe there may be rudder bellcrank damage, or rudder hinge damage. Look at the elevator hinges also; if struck hard enough, all 4 will be canted the direction of hit and you'll notice a larger gap between the stab tip and elevator on one side versus the other.
Can you email pictures. I'd be happy to give you rebuild cost, but need more info.
Del Lehmann
Mena, Arkansas
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Kyle Wolfe
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Joined: Mon Mar 17, 2003 12:30 am

Re: Rudder re-skinning

Post by Kyle Wolfe »

Thanks for the tips guys. Looked at it with a couple of our local IAs today. Will get an estimate from them. Appears I'll need rudder skins and the right elevator. Will take the vertical fin off as well to thoroughly inspect the supports. Will also examine the bellcrank and replace as needed.

Del, thanks too for your comments. I'll see what I can do on the pictures......
Kyle
54 B N1932C
57 BMW Isetta
Best original 170B - Dearborn, MI 2005
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GAHorn
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Re: Rudder re-skinning

Post by GAHorn »

Be certain to inspect the rudder cables where they pass thru the final bulkhead. Those are difficult to inspect and they are frequently overlooked and frayed. (You'll be in that area and now's the time to pull them out and inspect them.)
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
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Kyle Wolfe
Posts: 706
Joined: Mon Mar 17, 2003 12:30 am

Re: Rudder re-skinning

Post by Kyle Wolfe »

Am expecting the rudder cables to be OK as I replaced them just 2 years ago. But we'll definitely take a strong look at them at this point.

Thanks again, guys!
Kyle
54 B N1932C
57 BMW Isetta
Best original 170B - Dearborn, MI 2005
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