Fairchild Club Forum

'Folks - I have just started stripping the rear lift struts prior to repainting and have come across a series of small rough holes (looks like they were for self tapping screws) towards the bottom of both struts - See photos in my album 'Frank Cox' - they are not equidistant from the bottom - 9 3/8" and 8 1/4" respectively.
My questions are these:

1  Has anybody seen these before?
2  What are they for (anchoring fairings perhaps?)
3  Would you consider the struts serviceable?

If they are not serviceable where would I find some serviceable ones or a supplier for the streamline tubing?

Any/all thoughts would be very much appreciated

Frank
UC61K Argus  G-BCBL'

'Frank,



You will find them in many projects. The one in my shop had 60 plus holes from screws. I had them tig welded, sanded them down to smooth. Check with your IA to make sure his is ok with. As an IA, I have no problem, doing it for 25 years. Same for Stinson struts



Mech and Owners need to stop drilling holes in struts. Esp new struts. Use a band if you can. Otherwise, drill once, install a rivnut and machine screw.



I have attached a few photos, before and after. Just takes time to carefully sand. Stay out of the base metal.



JST







From: fairchildclub@yahoogroups.com [mailto:fairchildclub@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2013 8:31 AM
To: fairchildclub@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [fairchildclub] F24 Rear lift struts





Folks - I have just started stripping the rear lift struts prior to repainting and have come across a series of small rough holes (looks like they were for self tapping screws) towards the bottom of both struts - See photos in my album 'Frank Cox' - they are not equidistant from the bottom - 9 3/8" and 8 1/4" respectively.
My questions are these:

1 Has anybody seen these before?
2 What are they for (anchoring fairings perhaps?)
3 Would you consider the struts serviceable?

If they are not serviceable where would I find some serviceable ones or a supplier for the streamline tubing?

Any/all thoughts would be very much appreciated

Frank
UC61K Argus G-BCBL





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

'
Frank,

I think that there are SOME holes on ALL the 24s.  I believe that they held a 'screen door bracket' type of door catch, to hold the doors open.  I agree with Jamie on welding them shut.  You don't even have to grind the welds down very much, cause they are not visible.
Bob Waldron1939 Fairchild 24 KWebster, MN  U.S.A.'

' Thank you Bob   That makes me feel better – at least there was probably a good reason for them – but they are pretty ‘Gash’ with no thought of having them the same each side. The struts are off to the welder next week after I have cleaned the 5 layers of paint off them.   Have a happy Christmas   Frank   F24 Argus  G-BCBL   From: fairchildclub@yahoogroups.com [mailto: fairchildclub@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of rangerrobertmn@yahoo.com
Sent: 13 December 2013 16:33
To: fairchildclub@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [fairchildclub] RE: F24 Rear lift struts    
Frank,
 
I think that there are SOME holes on ALL the 24s.  I believe that they held a 'screen door bracket' type of door catch, to hold the doors open.  I agree with Jamie on welding them shut.  You don't even have to grind the welds down very much, cause they are not visible.
 
Bob Waldron
1939 Fairchild 24 K
Webster, MN   U.S.A.

This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
'