Yeah, I'm sure the zip ties didn't help any. The dowel that comes stock inside the aluminum tube is some sort of hard balsa. Push on it with a pick or your thumb nail. It will make an indention. I actually think the balsa is to apply some support up inside the wing. The spar is cut like it is for a reason and I figure the balsa adds more flat surface area to the tube. Otherwise, the sharp edges of the aluminum might cut through the wing? I'll post later and let you know how the new spar worked out. Dave