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Thread: What's the reason for covering the butt ribs?

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jun 2008
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    Cypress, TX
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    56

    Default What's the reason for covering the butt ribs?

    Maybe this is a dumb question, but I've been working on covering the butt ribs for the last couple of evenings and I'm starting to wonder -- is this trip really necessary?

    Is there a functional reason for covering the butt ribs or is it just for looks? Does it keep out the wind or something? Besides being a pain in the a$$ to cover, the idea of peering though a plastic window to try to read a couple of sight gauges that are probably going to be kind of hard to read anyway, really bugs me.

  2. #2
    Senior Member cap01's Avatar
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    Apr 2009
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    yelm, wa
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    694

    Default Re: What's the reason for covering the butt ribs?

    ive wondered the same thing , although mine were already covered when i acquired the kit . now im replacing gas tanks and installing plastic windows so i can peer at the sight guages ? from some of the pictures ive seen from the newer models they dont cover them but have a different way to finish them off .
    chuck
    kitfox IV 1050
    912ul warpdrive
    flying B , yelm, wa

  3. #3
    Newkid's Avatar
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    Mar 2010
    Location
    Caldwell, Idaho
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    65

    Default Re: What's the reason for covering the butt ribs?

    None of the kitfoxes my family has owned over the years have had the but ribs covered. it probably makes the cockpit just a tad less drafty and little more finished.
    Ty
    Kitfox IV-1200
    912

  4. #4
    Senior Member Peteohms's Avatar
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    Sep 2008
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    Leander, TX Hangared @ KGTU
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    272

    Default Re: What's the reason for covering the butt ribs?

    To cover up the butt rib crack!

    I couldnt help myself.
    Pete
    Leander, TX
    Model III SN 1000
    912
    Grove

  5. #5
    Senior Member Dave S's Avatar
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    Oct 2008
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    St Paul, MN
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    1,833

    Default Re: What's the reason for covering the butt ribs?

    Jon,

    See attached photo - no buttrib covering onN128DD - just made some aluminum parts to cover the front and back core hole in the first wing rib and used a plexi sheet for the center over the site gauge. Then fabricated some aluminum to fit outboard and on the bottom of the buttrib to close off the pneumonia hole.

    I rather like being able to see the sight gauges. Also no BR covering makes the door hinge bolts easily accessible.

    Take a look at the cockpit video shot on John's web Site - no buttrib covering either.

    Sincerely,

    Dave S
    KF7 trigear
    Attached Images Attached Images

  6. #6
    Senior Member Dorsal's Avatar
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    Sep 2008
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    Central, MA
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    1,511

    Default Re: What's the reason for covering the butt ribs?

    No butt rib cover on mine, haven't noticed any issues
    Dorsal ~~^~~
    Series 7 - Tri-Gear
    912 ULS Warp Drive

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