WIX Archives

Re: David Price's Swordfish sold

Posted by RobC on Sat Feb 22, 2003 03:47:51 PM

In reply top David Price's Swordfish sold posted by Dennis Bergstrom on Fri Feb 21, 2003 10:39:35 AM

Dennis, congratulations on the CAF Swordfish aquisition and your involvement therein. I viewed this airplane with an eye towards restoration and came to the sad conclusion that it was beyond my resources. It requires a full reconstruction including all new fuselage tubing. The original tubing was rusted completely through in many places, and the static restoration that took place at Santa Paula airport many years ago, was to static condition. The tubing was replaced tube-by-tube while the fuselage rested on sawhorses. It was not jigged and cannot be assumed to be aligned properly. Fortunately, there are a number of Swordfish in the UK, and I am sure proper measurements can be taken, if blueprints do not exist. Since the wings use a steel spar, they are in similar condition. They were stored outside at Mojave for awhile, but were no longer there as of Christmas time.

Steel condition aside, you guys have yourselves a great project. It is very complete and as we have all seen, if you have the pieces (patterns), you can make anything. Best of luck to you and the team.

Rob Coussens

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