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I thought I had a couple of stitches that broke holding the fabric to the first rib under the fuel tank on the right wing of the Pacer. However, after I cut the fabric I found that the screw was missing securing the rib to the front of the rear spar. This allowed the rib to vibrate and over the years it broke.
To repair the rib, I made a brace to slide over the rib and then riveted it to the rib. Took a little piece of aluminum and used simple hand tools and a vise to form the brace. Turned out very nice. Then of course there is all the fabric work and painting.
There was no evidence of a screw. No scratch marks on the rib and I couldn’t see the threads in the screw hole for all the dirt in it. I believe it was missed putting in when the rib was installed.
Another reason to look things over several times before we recover. Thanks for the pictures of your repair. I am sure it will help others. I have seen quite a few broken ribs in this area.
Yes, found several on pre-buy inspection and also at rebuild. My Clipper had cracks but was not broken yet when uncovered for rebuild. I went ahead and installed Dakota Cub tank bay ribs under the fuel tank all the way around to eliminate further issues.
Another reason to look things over several times before we recover. Thanks for the pictures of your repair. I am sure it will help others. I have seen quite a few broken ribs in this area.
I recently had two of them that Steve found. Cracked where they attached to the rear spar.
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Broken rib under fuel tank
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Originally Posted by Steve Pierce
