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Thread: Is this going to require replacing the spar?

  1. #1

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    Default Is this going to require replacing the spar?

    Hi All,


    I probably know the answer but I am very new to Kitfox.

    I am looking to buy this Kitfox III project but have some concerns about the wing.

    The front spar has a couple of dents and I want opinions on if this would need replacing or if it could keep flying as is?

    Take a look and let me know what you think.

    Also is the front spar hard to replace if it needed to be?

    Dent #1

    IMG_4725.jpg

    IMG_4713.jpg

    Dent #2

    IMG_4726.jpg

    Thank you!

    Dan

  2. #2
    Senior Member
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    Default Re: Is this going to require replacing the spar?

    Don't think I would fly it. Another thing which you may not see is the diagonal braces in the wing could be compressed or pulled loose/broke from the hits on the front of the wing. One thing about it, is the front spar will be a lot easier to replace then the rear one. The ribs are just glued to the back of the front spar. JImChuk

    Looking at the wing dents again, I'm wondering if the wife objected to the mistress and took a baseball bat to her. If that's the case, maybe the diagonal braces are ok.

  3. #3
    Senior Member jiott's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is this going to require replacing the spar?

    I agree, I wouldn't fly it. That dent is very close to the highest stressed area of the spar-near the lift strut attachment.
    Jim Ott
    Portland, OR
    Kitfox SS7 flying
    Rotax 912ULS

  4. #4
    Senior Member Dusty's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is this going to require replacing the spar?

    Is it just a perspective of the camera or do the ribs not have a cap strip ?
    BTW I wouldn't fl it with those dents.

  5. #5
    Senior Member 109JB's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is this going to require replacing the spar?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dusty View Post
    Is it just a perspective of the camera or do the ribs not have a cap strip ?
    BTW I wouldn't fl it with those dents.
    Those are the short leading edge ribs between the main ribs. I can see one of the main ribs in the pictures and it does have a cap strip.
    John Brannen
    Morris, IL
    Sonerai IIL (Single Seat)
    Kitfox 3/4 1050 - Rotax 582 (Back Flying and sold)
    Kitfox IV 1050 - Rotax 582 (sold)
    Kitfox IV 1200 Speedster - Rotax 912 UL (project)
    Piper Twin Comanche (Sold)
    Glasair 1 FT (Waiting to start)

  6. #6

    Join Date
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    Green River UTAH
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    Default Re: Is this going to require replacing the spar?

    To me it looks like the person folding or un-folding the wing lost their grip and it hit a fence post.
    (and how do I know that?)
    With fuel in the tank it would be heavy. Also, are the ribs without caps false ribs? It has been over
    3 years since I sold my six and I thought there were false ribs between the main ribs, however, I have
    been incorrect ONCE many years ago.

  7. #7

    Join Date
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    Baldwyn, MS
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    Default Re: Is this going to require replacing the spar?

    Thanks to everyone who responded!

    I really appreciate your feedback!


    Thanks Again
    Dan

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