F-24 Lift Strut Fabrication and Pre-Order

[Jamie Treat]

'All F-24 owners,



Over the past 20 years there has been many requests for F-24 lift strut
replacement due to damage or loss. Lift struts are getting harder to come
by. In fact some members have purchased entire projects just to get the lift
struts for their flying or near flying aircraft. Myself and other members
have contacted various vendors over the years and the cost has been so
prohibitive due to the large quantity in running length. Anywhere from 1000'
to 10,000'.



I have found a company that can produce the raw streamline tubing for front
and rear struts for the F-24 that utilize Drawing 44169 (Front Strut) and
44170 (Rear Strut). I know that this P/N is valid for 1939 and 1948 per the
Dwg Effectively Section. I do not know if it is for the 1938. You will need
to verify. I know it is not correct for the 1937 and below.



Here are the specs:



6061-T6 Drawn Aluminum streamline tubing for the aerospace industry.



Front Strut: Original Dimensions: Minor Axis: 2.00" Major Axis: 4.75"
Wall Thickness: .095" in 84" in length

New Dimension: Minor Axis: 2.00" Major Axis: 4.72"
Wall Thickness: .095" in 84" length



Pricing:

252' $43.43 /foot (Comes out to $608.02 for one set) Does not include
shipping.

840' $34.77/ foot (Comes out to $486.78 for one set) Does not include
shipping.





Rear strut: Original Dimension: Minor Axis: 1.625" Major Axis:
3.6875" Wall Thickness: .065" in 100" Length

New Dimension: Minor Axis: 1.572" Major
Axis: 3.710" Wall Thickness .065" in 100" Length



Pricing:

441' $18.38 / foot (Comes out to $306.33 for one set) Does not include
shipping.

1458' $14.89 / foot (Comes out to $248.16 for one set) Does not include
shipping.





Description from F-24 Structure Manual.



cid:image002.png@01D32B26.A7503700

NOTES:



1) You will notice a slight difference on the front strut for Major Axis.
This should not cause any installation issues. The Critical dimension is the
Minor and thickness. Remember the machined fittings goes in the outboard and
the lower fitting fits over the welded bushing.



2) You will notice a slight difference on the rear strut for Minor and Major
Axis. No issue with the Major Axis. Your fairings may be a little tighter.
The Rear strut has a machined fitting like the front strut does. This will
have a slight impact. Either the strut will need to be opened up .053 to
have the fitting installed. I don't see a need to machine the fitting.



3) Notice that the length is slightly over. You will need to trim to spec.
Will also need to drill and install plates and hardware. This is raw stock.



4) We will need sufficient orders to make this work.



5) All orders will need to be prepaid prior to order placement.



In order to move forward, I will need to get a firm commitment from those
that are interested. This will most likely be a onetime deal. Even if you
have a good set of struts. Ground loops do occur and your ship will be
grounded. The first thing that gets damaged is the struts. I have plenty of
pics from FC owners that reflect the damage. Repair of struts is not
recommended IAW the F-24 Structural Manual. I have seen them repaired, and
it looks horrible. This will provide some excellent insurance and also
assist in resale.



Email directly to the email below if interested. I will maintain the list
and if sufficient interest, I will move forward. Do not send any funds at
this time, just a firm commitment.



Sincerely,



Jamie S. Treat A&P/IA
Aircraft Restoration & Repair, LLC
Fairchild Club DVD Editor
IAC 5, Chapter President
http://www.iac5.org
Kelly Airpark (CO15)
http://www.kellyairpark.org
24201 David C. Johnson Loop
Elbert, CO 80106



Hm 303-648-0130
Cell 303-304-7937



Quote of the Month: If an airplane is still in one piece, don't cheat on
it. Ride the bastard down. - Ernest K. Gann, Advice from the 'old pelican'









[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]'