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  #1  
Old 08-14-2019, 04:53 AM
circuitbreaker8747 circuitbreaker8747 is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Atlanta Georgia
Posts: 34
Default 6 landing gear the same as 7?

We have been looking at buying a 6A or 7A. A lot of the 6A we come across have a gross weight listed at 1800. We know that discussion has been beat to death and that is not our question. Whatever plane we buy, if it is a 6A,we would operate at 1650 by our own choice. Our concern is if previous owners operated at 1800 would that cause extra stress /damage to gear and gear mounts. Somebody mentioned they thought the gear legs and mounts are the same as 7A just shorter? Is that true? Obviously the spark us another concern as it is different. Thank you.
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Old 08-14-2019, 06:31 AM
219PB 219PB is offline
 
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Location: Victoria, Tx
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It is my understanding that the 6A and 7A share the same gear mounts and the difference is the length of the gear leg.
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  #3  
Old 08-14-2019, 09:52 AM
Ralph Inkster Ralph Inkster is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
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Nose gear 6A & 7A are the same, assuming the 6A has the later version of gear leg, which you should definitely check (not to be confused with the new RV14A type nose gear arrangement just announced). Mount is the same.

Main gear on 6A is slightly shorter than the 7A, giving the 6A a slight tail down attitude when sitting on the ramp. Mount is different only how it attaches to the spar, strength would be the same.

1800lb gross on some 6As is a builder assigned gross weight. Vans recommends 1650 or there about, and that is based on design and wing loading. Calculate gross wing loading between a 6 with 23' wingspan vs 7 with 25' & the difference will become obvious.
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Last edited by Ralph Inkster : 08-14-2019 at 09:55 AM.
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  #4  
Old 08-19-2019, 06:17 AM
circuitbreaker8747 circuitbreaker8747 is offline
 
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Location: Atlanta Georgia
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Thank you for all the answers
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  #5  
Old 08-19-2019, 07:31 AM
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roadrunner20 roadrunner20 is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Bay Pines, FL (based @ KCLW)
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I would check with Vans to make sure the 6A & 7A gear leg drilled holes were jig drilled to the gear weldment and will match to prevent toe in/out?

The early 7 model engine mount was match drilled to the gear leg. Later models were all jig drilled. I'm not sure that is the case with the gear weldments, especially when dealing with different models.
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  #6  
Old 08-19-2019, 08:58 PM
rhill rhill is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Valley Forge, Pa
Posts: 636
Default Swapping 7a to a 7 what goes what stays

Are the 7a main gear legs the same as the tail wheel main gear legs? Now that the new mount & nose gear are out. I'm converting to tail wheel.Less weight,less hassle, no steps,etc. Anyone with a 7 or 9 conventional mount for sale or trade,let me know,New only for same please.
RHill
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  #7  
Old 08-19-2019, 09:15 PM
Ralph Inkster Ralph Inkster is offline
 
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Location: Calgary, Alberta
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Main gear legs are not interchangable between A models & tail draggers.
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Old 08-19-2019, 09:47 PM
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roadrunner20 roadrunner20 is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rhill View Post
Are the 7a main gear legs the same as the tail wheel main gear legs? Now that the new mount & nose gear are out. I'm converting to tail wheel.Less weight,less hassle, no steps,etc. Anyone with a 7 or 9 conventional mount for sale or trade,let me know,New only for same please.
RHill
Tail wheel main gear legs are longer.
I converted in 2012.
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Last edited by roadrunner20 : 08-19-2019 at 09:50 PM.
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  #9  
Old 08-21-2019, 03:52 PM
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flyabq flyabq is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: BELLA VISTA
Posts: 54
Default Conversion

Quote:
Originally Posted by roadrunner20 View Post
Tail wheel main gear legs are longer.
I converted in 2012.
Hello,
I have a 6A that is like 80% complete. I am thinking about converting it to a Taildragger. How much work was it to convert?
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  #10  
Old 08-21-2019, 06:56 PM
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roadrunner20 roadrunner20 is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flyabq View Post
Hello,
I have a 6A that is like 80% complete. I am thinking about converting it to a Taildragger. How much work was it to convert?

I'm not sure about the 6. But the 7, was not too painful.
1. Replace engine mount
2. Remove rear fuselage bottom tail panel to install tail wheel mount.
(you may need to replace the V supports that the tw mounts. On the 7, the plans say to trim it. I didn't, so I was able to attach the mount by drilling a couple holes)
3. Remove in cabin gear weldments. (may be an issue if you have fuel lines & wires snaking through.)
4. Realign front cowling. (piano hinge may require removal & realignment due to engine re-hanging) Some had no issues. I had to remove my hinge, trim cowl & reattach.
5. Patch holes on bottom fuselage where gear weldments were located.
6. Replace with new gear intersection fairings.

FWIW, I was glad I made the change. I had no TW time & received my endorsement once I was completed. The tailwheel has minimal maintenance in comparison to the nose wheel.

If you'd like to discuss it, send me a PM with your cell# & I'll get in touch.
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Morphed RV7(formally 7A), N20DL, PnP Pilot
1190+ hours
2019 Donation Paid

Last edited by roadrunner20 : 08-21-2019 at 06:57 PM. Reason: added fairings
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