Warbird Information Exchange

We are about to start recovering our C-47's rudder, we can't figure out how we should go about the area around the trim tab.

There are two bolts on each end of the trim tab that hold it on. However, the fabric goes over the area where these bolts are and there are no inspection panels in that area to allow access to the bolts for reattaching the trim tab.

One of the things we are thinking about doing is just putting in an inspection panel there, but looking at photos of other c-47's they don't have inspection panels either.

What was the process for this? Do you leave the area open where the flang is and then cover that after you have the trim tab in place?

Here is the top bolt area

Here is the bottom bolt area

_________________
Tyler Pinkerton
Active Member of Air Heritage Inc. of Beaver Falls, PA.
Aircraft: C47B, C-123K, Fairchild F-24, Funk Model B, L-21B, T-28B, T-34B
Static: F-4C Phantom II, F-15A, T-3 Provost

If nobody responds to your post, perhaps a call to Basler would prove fruitful?

http://www.baslerturbo.com/

_________________
It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

Tyler: I would think that you would cover the rudder without the tab installed and then cut out the bolt access prior to tensioning the fabric. Tape the openings and then apply a short tape prior to silver, after installing the tab. Treat it like a recessed strut attachment.....

It will be recovered without the tab installed, however they were just installing the tab temporarily to figure out how they had to cover it as there is also a fairing that goes over the push rod for the tab.

The way you said is the other option they thought of other than cutting access holes/panels. Anyone have any specifics on this process?

_________________
Tyler Pinkerton
Active Member of Air Heritage Inc. of Beaver Falls, PA.
Aircraft: C47B, C-123K, Fairchild F-24, Funk Model B, L-21B, T-28B, T-34B
Static: F-4C Phantom II, F-15A, T-3 Provost