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Thread: Tip #2 Leading Edge Skins

  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Yakima, Washington
    Posts
    157

    Default Tip #2 Leading Edge Skins

    One of our fellow Carbon Cub EX builders came up with this way of installing leading edge skins. All you need is 12 1”X 4”X 6” wooden blocks, six locking clamps, and six ratchet straps. Using the clamps, attach the blocks to the skin between the nose ribs. You will notice that the top two rivets have been installed.
    PA272191 (2).jpg
    Next attach the ratchet straps around the rear spar as shown in the photo below.
    Pulled Tight.jpg
    Attach the front of the ratchet strap to the clamps as shown below.
    Bottom.jpg
    Start pulling in the bottom of the leading edge skin. BE CAREFUL NOT TO PULL TO HARD, IT IS POSSIBLE TO BEND THE NOSE RIBS OR THE REAR SPAR. Pull the ratchet straps just tight enough to remove any slack from in between the rib and the skin. The picture below shows the perfect fit. MAKE SURE THE RIBS ARE STRAIGHT AND NOT BENT BEFORE INSTALLING THE BOTTOM RIVET.
    PA272194.jpg
    Install the bottom rivet per the picture below and your manual. Now you can release the clamps and remove the clamps, straps, and blocks. Move to the next skin and complete the whole leading edge
    PA272195.jpg
    Below is a picture of a completed wing using the system in this tip. Remember to use your manual along with this tip
    PA272196.jpg
    Thanks Cliff
    Last edited by Mitch; 12-05-2011 at 08:43 AM.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Paul's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Gilbert, Arizona
    Posts
    202

    Default Re: Tip #2 Leading Edge Skins

    Excellent method. Thanks Cliff and Mitch.

  3. #3
    Senior Member Ben Redman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Faribault, MN
    Posts
    192

    Default Re: Tip #2 Leading Edge Skins

    We used the same method on our wings which works great. Then, we saw the "duck bill" vise grips which work well if you're going to stretch L.E's often.

    Braze an eye onto the adjuster of the grips to facilitate hooking the straps to and you're ready to pull.

    Vise-3.jpgVise-2.jpg
    Ben Redman, GM
    RARE Aircraft Ltd
    www.rareaircraft.com
    ben@rareaircraft.com
    507-331-8446

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