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Drag Racing Discussions => Front Engine Dragsters => Topic started by: PSweeney on February 14, 2014, 01:59:56 PM

Title: Wing spars ?
Post by: PSweeney on February 14, 2014, 01:59:56 PM

I've seen modern CNC aluminium ones for front wings, but how were they traditionally made ? 

Title: Re: Wing spars ?
Post by: dreracecar on February 14, 2014, 03:37:20 PM

A process called "HAMMER FORMING"

2 pieces of thick aluminum plate in the shape of the spar less 1/16" on one and the other one 1/4" smaller.

you then sandwich the spar material (5/8" bigger than the large plate) between the 2 plates and HAMMER the edge over the larger plate. flop the plates to get your lefts and rights

Title: Re: Wing spars ?
Post by: PSweeney on February 15, 2014, 03:07:18 PM

thanks I thought about doing it this way but thought it may pucker on the curved edges,  think I may have more success making it out of two pieces, a flat spar clamped to a flat surface and then a 3/4in wide flat piece wrapped around the outer edge and tig'd ?

Title: Re: Wing spars ?
Post by: dreracecar on February 15, 2014, 07:24:32 PM

dont worrry about the nose of the spar, the curve of the skin has enough strenth to hold possision without rivets.

Ron Fourner has a basic metal fabrication book that goes through the process in detail

Title: Re: Wing spars ?
Post by: janjon on February 18, 2014, 08:05:26 PM

Have you any references to airfoil shapes and how to lay them out?

Title: Re: Wing spars ?
Post by: George on February 19, 2014, 05:02:09 AM

N & P sell the spars. We bought a "kit" and built our own wings.

Title: Re: Wing spars ?
Post by: rooman on February 19, 2014, 05:46:30 AM

Quote from: George on February 19, 2014, 05:02:09 AM

N & P sell the spars. We bought a "kit" and built our own wings.

I use Frank and Scott's parts too as it is much quicker than beating out a set of spars and the price is more than reasonable.

Roo

Title: Re: Wing spars ?
Post by: dreracecar on February 19, 2014, 07:54:06 AM

But whats the fun in doing that

Title: Re: Wing spars ?
Post by: JeffV8 on February 19, 2014, 08:01:39 AM

It saves on labor costs  ;)

Title: Re: Wing spars ?
Post by: dreracecar on February 19, 2014, 08:08:00 AM

As a company or service shop I would say yes, but for an individual that wants to make somthing themselves---its something to learn.

Title: Re: Wing spars ?
Post by: JeffV8 on February 19, 2014, 08:24:31 AM

I agree Bruce. I like to fabricate what I can..

Title: Re: Wing spars ?
Post by: PSweeney on February 19, 2014, 09:14:01 AM

I like to do things myself too.  I'd been thinking about how I could make a wing then saw the CNC spars and I'm sure i'd have the job done in half the time and to a better standard if I went this route but thats not how I operate.  I take pride in turning perfectly good metal into scrap and occasionally producing a part I can bolt on my digger.   It's the curse of being a perfectionist with average abilities.... It's all fun and I enjoy learning even if it is the hard way sometimes.

Question for you all.....perspex or wooden front wings...cool or not ?  seen a  few, I like to use a variation of materials etc.  I know common sense and evolution would suggest aluminium but I like the little details and want to stand out from the accepted norm.

Title: Re: Wing spars ?
Post by: dreracecar on February 19, 2014, 09:52:21 AM

period correct Don Long front wing kit and also used as canards without the struts

Title: Re: Wing spars ?
Post by: PSweeney on February 19, 2014, 11:21:19 AM

very cool thanks for posting