Rib stitching after the fact?

[pdefatta]

I am looking at a very nice Kitfox model 3.

The only problem is the builder/seller told me he did not rib stitch. He believes there is a method to do this after the wing is complete and painted.

Can anyone guide me one this?

Thanks.

[Peteohms]

Rib stitching is generally not required on model 3. My 3 is unstitched and no problems.

[tommg13780]

As pete said rib stitching is not necessary with the 1" rib caps and slow speeds that the model 3 flies. A more practical solution with much less work could be large head aluminum rivets. This method is standard practice on Just Aircraft which are a very similar slow/undercamber style wing. Mr Bill of the Kitfox forum is doing this on a Speedster and claims good results. Perhaps he would chime in with a comment or you could PM him through the forum.
Mr Bill are you out there????????????

[mr bill]

Yup, I'm here. I used the aluminum pop rivets with 3/8ths diameter heads. Before covering and riveting, I drilled a stagger pattern set of holes in the ribs, 2 1/4" apart and put crazy glue in each hole. When the glue set, I cleaned out the holes with a drill. After covering and installing reinforcing tape, I burned thru the tapes/covering with a small diameter soldering iron. Then installed the rivets and finishing tapes. Worked great.

[kitfoxnick]

There are a lot of old Kitfoxes out there that where never stitched, and are doing just fine. That being said when I replaced my tanks I decided to rib stitch. I put two pieces of 1/2" reinforcing tape side by side on top of the existing 2" finish tape. Laced like normal. You will have to adjust your spacing for the spar tubes. It's not as easy as lacing before paint but it isn't that bad. After lacing I covered the lacing with a 3" finish tape.

Then you have to paint.

I think if unlaced ribs were a problem we would hear more about it.

[Av8r_Sed]

No rib stitching on my model III. My wings are perfect with taut fabric.

[Mnflyer]

No rib stitching on my Model III it was built in 1995 and the fabric is prefect on the wings and else where, my advise leave it alone and fly your plane.

[cgruby]

No rib stitching on my Model III it was built in 1995 and the fabric is prefect on the wings and else where, my advise leave it alone and fly your plane.

I might note, it's not possible to tell whether the fabric is pulling away from the ribs in flight unless you have someone fly above you and take a look.

The fabric between each rib bows significantly during flight. If it pulls away from a rib, it will be very obvious. Not a good thing to happen.

When I bought my Type III the fabric was attached with small screws and large washers.

[pdefatta]

Update: I was incorrect about the plane being a model iii. It is an early model 4 with the 1050 gross. Does this change anything concerning rib stitching?

[Av8r3400]

I've got nearly 600 hours on mine with no stitching and no problems.

I plan to stitch my project plane, but I don't feel that it's mandatory.