The wind lace at the door entry of our
airplanes takes a beating over the decades and if yours is in terrible shape,
here are some ideas on how to make some improvements.
First, there is a common myth that the
wind lace is designed to keep whistling air from getting IN the cabin (your door
seal does this job), when in fact, its purpose is to keep your slightly
pressurized cabin air from getting OUT.
Need Bonanza/Baron/Travel Air door seal info?
Click HERE
Here is an option from Aircraft Spruce
My friend and fellow Beechcraft owner, Steve O., has this to say about
wind lace repair:
Get it made at a good upholstery shop, (take your existing wind lace to
the shop and have them match its exterior covering color) it is not hard to
install.
The door wind lace is held in by those 30 some screws and the bottom side
panel. You trim the wick and wedge the leather between the metal, close the door
and check that you have it approximately right then just tighten it up a bit
more and poke holes with a awl and replace the screws and bottom side panel.
You will have to close the door from the outside the first time and let it
sit for a couple days to stretch out the leather before the door will close
easily again. The baggage door windlace is glued in place and may require
removal or loosening of the side and rear panels. Don't use cheap contact cement
get some good upholstery contact glue, it's a messy job but easy. You can do
both on a Saturday and have time for some beer."
Many auto upholstery shops offer wind lace as
you can see by this swatch card from a shop in Michigan
Beechcraft
Wind Lace Repair/Replacement Options
