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Thread: Fabric life

  1. #1
    Mike Short
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    Fabric life

    Just joined SWPO today. I am thinking about buying a PA20 and have been looking at lots of aircraft for sale. As a former spam can owner I am not to familiar with fabric aircraft. Any insights on life expectancy would be great. Thanks , Mike
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  2. #2
    Stephen
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    Mike, welcome!

    Fabric lasts for many years, and may last....forever if it is hangered. If the fabric visually looks OK you should be fine. A few paint cracks are too be expected. Check the inside for rust build up on the frame. Crawl under and poke (if the owner is either not looking) the lower longerons for soft spots. If these quick tips check out...then get an expert to look it over carefully.
    "You can only tie the record for flying low."
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  3. #3
    Mike Short
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    Thanks for the info Stephen.
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  4. #4
    Steve Pierce
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    Fabric will last a lifetime if the sun isn't allowed to get to it. The silver will block out UV rays and not let them rot the fabric. The problem is every 20-30 years the finish starts failing from the drumming action. You start seeing cracking around the high stress areas. Also about time to look at the steel tubing and fittings along with the aluminum parts underneath it all. Big advantage in my opinion over an aluminum spam can as my 6 year old son Lee calls them .
    Steve Pierce
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  5. #5
    Mike Short
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    Thank you for your input, that helps a lot. I'll be looking for an airplane thats been hangared.
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