Belly repair

[rmorris]

Need some guidance/insights, but please just drop to me directly at:
networkgunslinger@gmail.com

Need to replace some belly bulkhead & stringers on a T337C due to a gear up.

If you have any specific experience with supporting a T337 for this type of repair, please lmk.

Thanks

[mshac]

Why not post the info here to help all Skymaster owners? That's the mission of this site, to keep the fleet flying!

[wslade2]

Doug Neiser, Commodore Aerospace. He specializes in 337 parts.
Texas Air Salvage has a 337 listed that they are parting out.
My A&P/IA seems to be always getting something from somewhere for somebody. Just a couple weeks ago 172 fuselage showed up in his shop with bent tailcone (no wings, no elevator, no rudder) to frankenstein the skins with front end of 172 a student ran off the runway. They have their sources as should yours.

Yes, can you post info or pictures? might help you to get parts, experience or recommendations on what to do from a member.

Also, what was the cause of the failure of gear to extend?

[rmorris]

Appreciate the comment about posting things publicly for all to learn. But the point of my post just to try and identify some folks where I could have a conversation. If there is info gleaned from the process that I think will help others, I will be happy to post... I'm a huge fan of us all learning together to keep Skymasters flying.

Don Nieser is willing to chat and share his experience, setting that up.

Please ping me directly if you have suggestions for others you think I should talk with about it.

Thanks

[rmorris]

Still taking to folks, so keep sending me names via email, please.
but promised I would post some of the ideas:

Put qty 4 posts of 3" angle iron in place to stabilize plane

2 posts on front firewall

2 posts on rear firewall

Drill out rivets where skin attaches to firewall, on sides

Qty 4, 1/4" bolts (make sure can access from behind to put in nuts), per post

Height is determined on how high you want plane, suggestion was just high enough to have gear down but not touching ground



When removing the 4 posts, just have to go back with larger rivets.



If you remove struts, need to support wings

2x6 on bottom & top, then 2x4 vertical

Place about 3' in from tip, should be a rib by the main tank vent

Put carpet over top 2x6 since it will be supporting bottom of wing

Also,the wing will be not exactly horizontal, take that into account when cutting wood

He said the 4 posts allow you to stabilize plane but get easy access to belly
....
Different person suggested removing the wings, and then using those attach points as lift points for fuselage. Said it would only take a day to take off wings, then fuselage much lighter, about 600-800 pounds.
I'm not thrilled with ideas of wings coming off. I know it's done on many planes, but still not my desired chouce.