Model 4 rudder repair

[Jollyrancher]

I broke the tail wheel spring allowing the rudder to fall against the wheel this in turn bent the bottom tubing in the rudder, best way to repair?

[Av8r3400]

Cut back the fabric, weld in a new tube and you are good to go.

Any competent weld shop can perform the welding. The fabric work will depend on what type of system you have covering your plane.

[Jollyrancher]

Thank you for your reply. The bend is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch out of line, is it against the "rules" to straighten it? How do I tell if the fabric is ceconite? Has anyone used oratex on ceconite?

[avidflyer]

If it's not kinked, you can maybe/probably straighten it. Got a picture you can post? That will help people to give a more accurate and correct answer. As far as the fabric goes, that isn't the concern, its the type of chemicals used on it. If it's the polyfiber system, which is often used on Kitfoxes, the bottom layer of chemicals will be pink in color. (polybrush) JImChuk

[Jollyrancher]

The bend in the rudder matches the diameter of the wheel. I put a straight edge under the rudder to show the amount of bend, the fabric makes it look like a kink but its not. Sorry for response time, its calving season. Thanks for the help.

[rv9ralph]

Watch this short video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/mABYn7UFgVA
The title is: Repairing Aircraft Structural Tubing (Piper Cub) 1945 US Office of Education; WWII

It is vintage but relevant and explains the inspection and repair issues you need to repair your type of damage.

Ralph