Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Hi all
I am a sheet metal novice so would appreciate opinions on the following:

The fuselage frames 571 through 574 and frame 598 have all been cut in half, split vertically at the fuselage centreline! The frames appear to be new and well made in other respects. Apparently one of the previous owners of this project had plans to make a single seat narrow body version of the Thorp, after cutting the frames he must have lost interest.

Anyway what do others think about the idea of repairing these frames and joining all the halves back together with an appropriate splice joint as was suggested by the previous owner of the project?
If repaired the frames would of course carry a small weight penalty but I assume they could be made good again. Is there any particular stress on the frames at this location that would complicate the issue and make it preferable to start over with new frames?
Thoughts, suggestions!

Thanks
Stuart

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Stug

I believe it would be fine to repair the frames with a splice, Stuart. No problem - just a small weight penalty, as you pointed out.

John Evens N71JE
Arvada, CO

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John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE

Why not, some builders did it this way to conserve metal

*** admin posted for William Williams ***

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Forum Administrator

I recently made up frame 576 from scratch. I thought it came out reasonably well but was looking for some confirmation.
I was initially a bit unsure what was required due to the fact that the revision to the 582 doubler that attaches to 576 is not updated on the drawing and I also had multiple parts labeled 582 some of which were cut down for purposes unknown. I also had recollections of some builders making inspection panels in this area but am not sure if it affected the underlying 576 frame.
I have looked at various photos on the forum to try and do a sanity check that what I have is OK but couldn't track down a photo with sufficient detail to reassure myself.
Let me know if I have missed something !
Stuart

From the pics it looks like a very nice job ! Difficult to tell how the bend radius came out ? The correct bend radius is important to prevent "cracking ." Your attention to detail making the part is outstanding !

RB

Look fine to me. You may have some difficulty drilling the tail wheel bolster to match your holes toward the bottom. I would drive the 4130 piece and use it as a template for the 576. Other than that, it looks perfect.