Dan. I had to completely remove both bottom Diehl wing skins from the ribs & spars. It was not very hard.( I will inform you how if you need to,) BUT First I would remove the 36" rib from the end on the spars, by using a 2" or 3" metal putty spreader(the one with a wood handle) and hammer, slowly hit along the V/ester join between the rib and the wing skin , it will crack, then do the same around the ends of the spar, this is the hard part depending what you glued the rib to the end of the spars with. I made two ribs for the end of the spars out of 1/4" aircraft ply and filled them with lightning holes. reset you wash out, PLACE STANDS under BOTH spar ends to hold the wash out in the correct position, and glue the 36" rib , and BOB's YOUR UNCLE, problem fixed.
WARNING If you epoxy the ply to the spars, V/Ester will NOT dry properly in the presents of epoxy!!!! How do I Know ?????? I was told this by my local F/Glass repairer, and he is CORRECT If you can not get the correct wash out , you may to remove a few more ribs until the wing is flexible, It seems like an impossible job, BUT it was very easy once you get started. I had to replace both my main spars, and did only very slight damage to the wing skin surface.I then use a 4" angle grinder with a course sanding disc and sanded all the old flox off and refitted the skins and ribs. also if you damage the ribs, just move each rib out one place on the spars, cut them down to make new ones, then you only have to make a new number one rib, I did , and made it out of ply as well, instead of buying foam ply, which I could not get in Australia. ( with out paying $$$$$) Please get back to me if I can help , or if this does not make sense. Its nice to be able to try and help someone else for a change, I'm the one usually getting help. Phil Matheson mathe...@dodo.com.au Australia 61 3 58833588 See our VW Engines and home built Parts and Kits at: http://www.vw-engines.com/ www.homebuilt-aviation.com
