After installing the ribs and sheeting at the inboard end of the wing, we move to the outboard end and carry out a similar procedure for installing the two outermost ribs and sheeting for the right wing. Similar steps will be followed when we do the left wing.
The wing construction is broken into three parts and web pages as follows:
- Inboard Wing Construction
- Outboard Wing Construction
- Placement Of The Wing Ribs
As we start this second part of our right wing building project, we will follow steps which are very similar to those outlined for the inboard wing construction segment with one minor variation. Namely, the 3/4" sheet over hang of the outboard upper and lower ribs.
We begin with the outboard bottom sheeting. This entails positioning two straight ribs and the flat aluminum sheeting, aligning all, and riveting them in place on the bottom of the wing much as we did with the inboard wing construction. We will then move on to the top curved portion of the wing which is done in a manner similar to that of the bottom.
The purpose of the outboard sheeting is primarily to lock in the planar alignment of the front and rear spars, strengthen the wing, and provide the support structure for attaching the fiberglass wing tips.
 |
Note the aluminum sheeting overhang of about 3/4" from the outside of the first rib to the end of the spar. (Left) This is required for proper installation of the fiberglass Hoerner-style wing tips. In the photo to the right, you will note the aluminum sheeting has been rolled down and marked in preparation for cutting the excess off. |
 |
 |
Then, as you work across the sheeting, drill and secure the Cleco fasteners as was done on the prior Inbord Wing Construction web page. Again, note the overhang of the aluminum sheeting from the Cleco fasteners to the outer most edge. |
 |
 |
The outboard sheeted ribs are done the same as the inboard ones with the following exceptions. I would use stainless steel rivets on the entire installation, including the sheeting to the ribs. Strength is important on the outboard section both to resist twisting during flight conditions and to support the fiberglass wing tips. With the Cleco fasteners removed and all the rivets now in place, again note the 3/4" overhang from the outer most rivets to the edge of the aluminum sheeting which is also even with the spar ends. |
 |
Using your spring clamps and tape, secure your material, making sure the ribs and sheeting are aligned properly before you start drilling your rivet holes. |
 |
 |
Here you can see the inside of the assembly prior to drilling and setting the Cleco fasteners. |
 |
 |
It really does not matter which side of the wing you start drilling and placing the Cleco fasteners in, just as long as you make sure all is aligned properly before you start drilling. As you can see, the builder has started from the rear of the wing, moving forward over the ribs to the front of the wing. |
 |
 |
After the Cleco fasteners have been put in place, mark the desired cut-off line on the sheeting at the spar. You will need to remove the fasteners from the end and back about 18 inches in order to lift the sheeting (in order to cut it) without causing a sharp bend. |
 |
 |
As was done in the "Inboard" wing construction, once all the sheet and rib rivet holes have been drilled and Cleco fasteners installed, it is recommended that you install the upright braces or "side braces" that fit between the upper and lower outer (tip) ribs before you rivet the sheeting in place. Here's one way to do it: |
Take one of the braces and snug it into place between the upper and lower ribs, checking that it is approximately perpendicular to the bottom rib. Drill the outside holes through the brace and into the outside of the top and bottom ribs, install the rivets. Do likewise with the second brace. Then remove the top sheeting to gain access to the inside of the brace and top rib. Repeat the process of drilling and installing the rivets. It's OK if the lower rib brace rivets are drilled and installed at a slight angle (not parallel) with the lower sheet.
Now reinstall the aluminum sheeting and Cleco fasteners. Then start replacing the fasteners with "long" stainless steel rivets in the spars and either "short" aluminum or stainless rivets for the ribs. We have just completed the fabrication of the outboard sheeted ribs. |
 |
In the next construction segment we will learn how to place the ribs between the inboard and outboard sheeted sections and rivet them to the spars. |