Stock wing strut mod

[Britpilot]

I didn't like the flimsy hooks on the stock struts on my SC LP as as I'm pulling some serious Gs from time to time I decided to modify them. I liked the paperclip idea that people have used because of it's simplicity so I decided to use that idea with a few mods.

I started with shiny new 2" paperclips and cut out the inner "U" bend:



Then I took a yellow automotive wire crimp type straight connector and cut off the insulation:



I had to run a 1/8" drill bit through the connector to remove the crimped wire stop so the connector will slide over the strut. I slid a 1" piece of new heat shrink tubing over the strut and slid it out of the way temporarily. I then slid the connector over the strut inserted the hook and crimped it all together with a normal automotive wiring crimping tool. ( A bit fiddly this with three pieces to hold together while you crimp. I found a slight crimp first, then align the hook correctly and then two firm crimps worked best) :



I then slid the heat shrink tubing over the connector/hook assembly and shrunk it in place with a heat gun being careful not to overheat and melt the strut plastic.



I then did the same to the other three struts making sure to cut them all to the same length when cutting of the plastic hooks:





And here is what it looks like on the aeroplane:





The heat shrink tubing isn't really necessary but it makes it all look neat. This is my first strut mod. I'm going to make some carbon fibre rigid struts and do away with these flimsy (and noisy) stock struts and get a proper cantilever wing set up with struts that will work in compression and tension. I look the look of the struts as I like to keep my models looking like the original aeroplane.

[crashoverride]

thats a neat idea, Ill have to remember this one.

[Dillzio]

That's a nice mod, good instructions and pics too.

cheers

[kenninny]

I like the paper clip mod & used it, for my hooks broke off, but insted of the paper clips, I just bough the wire connectors with the ring terminals, and clip part of the ring off near the base of the ring

[coupe1942]

Older thread, but I am new and I really enjoy DIY stuff like this. It always gives me ideas to fire off of and is refreshing to see the creative approaches to such mods. I enjoyed the pics and the explanation, too. Nicely done. I wonder is a touch of Plasti-Dip in the can, not spray, would be any heavier than the shrink tube if painted on with a brush? Also, I may be totally incorrect about this, but shouldn't the paper clips be routed through the attaching loops/hangers from the middle and outward, as opposed to just hooked on from the outside as shown in the last two pics?

[iandhunt]

I don't think Plasti-Dip is that much of a difference maker in terms of weight. Unless you coat it on like you are tarring a road. As for the paperclips, it depends how much play you may have in the wing and struts. I route mine like you described which, to me, seems more secure....but to each his own.