Replace wood rear spar or replace both wings with metal?

[Greg42407]

Hi everybody, I am the proud owner of a 1946 J-3, been with me a while, I soloed in it 40 some years ago. We had it recovered twice, and rebuilt completely in 2000. Unfortunately we have recently noted a hairline crack in the butt of the rear spar running to the first bolt. There is no widening etc on manipulating the wing, and it seems solid otherwise. It has been in a heated hanger in a dry climate since the rebuild. The wings are otherwise in good shape except for a slightly bent rib due to fabric contraction after the cover job. I now have some decisions to make. So far I have been advised to simply replace both wings with metal spar wings, simply replace the rear spar, and repair the errant rib on the affected wing or recover both wings after fixing any problems in both wood spars. One person recommended just watching it. With the exception of just watching it, none of these options are either cheap or simple. The guys around my airport are tired of hearing me whine about this so I thought I would throw it out on the web. Any advice, criticism, opinions are welcome. Thanks Greg

 

[bob turner]

 

[N42532]

 

[huston marlowe]

 

[tophand]

 

[huston marlowe]

 

[luvcubs]

 

[Fifinella]

 

[Greg42407]

 

[bob turner]