Van's VS Screaming Eagle VS Bell tailwheel? Which is best?

[DanH]

The Aviation Products (API) tailwheel assembly is not difficult to match drill with accuracy. Forget measuring. Make a simple drill jig:

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...40&postcount=1

[apkp777]

Originally Posted by DanH

The Aviation Products (API) tailwheel assembly is not difficult to match drill with accuracy. Forget measuring. Make a simple drill jig:

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...40&postcount=1

LOL! Dan, Dan, Dan.... Simple is putting a drill bit in my Makita. I'll bet if I polled this forum and asked "hey Dan H said "it's simple", they'd all say oh sh...

[apkp777]

Does API have a website? I can't find one in a search.

[airtractor8]

Originally Posted by DanH

The Aviation Products (API) tailwheel assembly is not difficult to match drill with accuracy. Forget measuring. Make a simple drill jig:

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...40&postcount=1

Hey Dan, thanks for sharing that idea with us. That sure looks like a simple and easy no error way of drilling a new "knuckle" to an existing tail wheel spring to me.

Graham
RV6 220hrs

[Allen231ah]

I have flown with the Vans, Frazier and Bell on my -8,all with the Silver Bullet link . I currently have the Bell installed . The Bell or Frazier are both very good parts and you will be happy with either one.I personally think the Vans TW is a bad design . Love the silver bullet but some have had a very difficult time getting them or haven't been able to get one at all .

[DanH]

Phooey

Just a piece of 1" plate from the scrap aluminum bin. Bandsaw the "L" shape, drill two holes, hacksaw a slot, and it's ready to clamp on the spring.....5 minutes for layout, maybe 15 minutes to make, and another 10 to drill the block and counterdrill the socket.

[Alex D]

Originally Posted by apkp777

Yeah, I have heard its tough. However I believe that this one is a "Chinese" version of the same http://www.shop.aviationtechproducts...1?productId=29

If Colorado USA is China, then they are Chinese. They are made in Colorado and sold out of Texas.
Alex

[airtractor8]

Originally Posted by Alex D

If Colorado USA is China, then they are Chinese. They are made in Colorado and sold out of Texas.
Alex

I agree Alex, I thought that the chinese comment was misleading and un called for....

[apkp777]

Originally Posted by airtractor8

I agree Alex, I thought that the chinese comment was misleading and un called for....

Sorry, I just meant it looks like a copy of the Bell. In my world of Aviation we call that a Chinese Blueprint. No offense to the Chinese. I am sure it saves them a bundle on engineering.

I am sure the "clone" Bell tailwheels are great. I am considering buying one. Don't think that they didn't look at the Bell before they made it though. Still the Aviation Technical Products tailwheel is a great looking tailwheel. More than likely that's the one I am going to get.

[apkp777]

I had the opportunity to handle a Bell tail wheel fork last night. (no, I wasn't dreaming). A friend has one for his -8 project. I have to say it REALLY looks and feels great! Near perfect construction. I tried to get out of his shop with it in my pocket but didn't make it.