VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics


Go Back   VAF Forums > Main > RV General Discussion/News
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12-27-2015, 07:19 AM
messr723 messr723 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: west memphis ar
Posts: 36
Default replace old Vans tailwheel and spring on RV-6

This has probably been discussed several times on the site. I have searched but still have a question, I plan to replace the old crooked TW spring and tail wheel that nearly drags the ground with the API full swivel locking TW and new tapered spring. Not really looking forward to drilling thru the tempered spring in three places, am I right to assume that the springs come undrilled? If so any suggestions for drilling straight holes thru a round bar? Not to mention the thought of trying to start a new bolt in the hole inside the aft fuselage end of the spring. It appears I may have to make a new inspection hole on the side or take the elevators off to get to it? Thanks for any and all ideas Mark
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-27-2015, 08:59 AM
tmendy tmendy is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: San Diego
Posts: 51
Default spring

I did it a couple years ago.

At Brown field in san diego where the military tie-down recesses are everywhere I thought the tail wheel was going to rip from the plane when I hit one when the spring down angle would catch.

Didn't remove any tail feathers. I did all the work through the port inspection hole and the tail feather fairing.

I was nervous about drilling he new spring but it was easy. Almost seemed like the end for drilling wasn't tempered. I would buy the spring from Vans pre-drilled for the tail wheel holes and drill the airplane attachment hole yourself.

Side note. My partner thought it was a waste of time and was giving me the constant "you're a moron" razz, but conceded later it was a great idea. We both love it.

Full castering is the ONLY way to go for sure.
__________________
Tom Mendy
RV6
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12-27-2015, 09:00 AM
tmendy tmendy is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: San Diego
Posts: 51
Default more

FYI, the pre-drilled from Vans was really reasonable. We drilled the big hole on a drill press, not in the plane. Easy.
__________________
Tom Mendy
RV6
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-27-2015, 09:28 AM
CATPart CATPart is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: up up and away
Posts: 312
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by tmendy View Post
At Brown field in san diego where the military tie-down recesses are everywhere I thought the tail wheel was going to rip from the plane when I hit one when the spring down angle would catch
I feel the same way at brown! I go there for the cheap fuel, but keep thinking it won't be so cheap once my tail wheel is torn off. I'm hoping the tie downs aren't as bad as they look from the cockpit.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12-27-2015, 07:18 PM
messr723 messr723 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: west memphis ar
Posts: 36
Default spring

Quote:
Originally Posted by tmendy View Post
FYI, the pre-drilled from Vans was really reasonable. We drilled the big hole on a drill press, not in the plane. Easy.
Thanks that sounds better than what I expected on the drilling.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-28-2015, 06:34 AM
DanH's Avatar
DanH DanH is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: 08A
Posts: 9,500
Default

New cobalt bit, and a high torque, slow drill.
__________________
Dan Horton
RV-8 SS
Barrett IO-390
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12-28-2015, 08:52 AM
Richard@Langair Richard@Langair is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Scappoose
Posts: 119
Default

If you are commited to using the API tailwheel, We can cut the old tailspring off at the bend and grind it down to accept the new tailwheel. This will eliminate trying to match drill the hole that matches the fuselage. You would still need to drill the bottom to hold the new full swivel API tailwheel on.


We have done a bunch of them this way when the full swivel first came out at Van's
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12-29-2015, 05:14 PM
messr723 messr723 is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: west memphis ar
Posts: 36
Default

Thanks I will keep you in mind on the grinding, I am still looking at options. I called Vans today and they said they would drill for the tailwheel attach but i had to buy their attach so that the holes would be drilled to match. He said they do not have a jig that would make them all the same, each spring is drilled unique. Oh well
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12-29-2015, 06:35 PM
6 Gun 6 Gun is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 846
Default wheel

Love my Bell fork with vans wheel my airport has pot hole tie downs it was my main reason.
Bob
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:26 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.