Wheelpants Attach screws

flickroll · #1 09-25-2009, 06:00 PM

Would like some feedback on the best screw to use to attach the front half of the wheelpants to the rear half of the wheelpants. I've been thinking about using countersunk screws here, although they might look funny since they will be installed on an outside curve surface. The other alternative is a round head screw with a plastic washer. Or the countersunk screw with a home made small size Tinnerman washer (use a light stainless washer and dimple with a #6 screw dimpler). Would like something that looks good and also holds up to numerous remove/reinstall cycles during the life of the airplane, and also keeps the paint looking as good as possible. Thanks

Ron Lee · #2 09-25-2009, 09:20 PM

Your answer is there

N941WR · #3 09-25-2009, 09:31 PM

Jim,

#6 CS screws work just fine.

Greg Arehart · #4 09-25-2009, 10:39 PM

I decided to go with truss head screws and a nylon washer under them. I felt like the countersink wasn't going to be as secure in the fiberglass. Probably really doesn't matter, but for my wheel pants, the material seemed too thin for countersunk.

greg

Jim P · #5 09-25-2009, 10:40 PM

Yuo can actually buy the tinnermans for a #6. For the price, it seems somewhat silly to make one and it kind of depends on the look you're after. I used the #6 w/ tinnermans and they work fine.

Rick6a · #6 09-26-2009, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim P

....it kind of depends on the look you're after. I used the #6 w/ tinnermans and they work fine.

I used #6 screws on the wheel pants and like everywhere else, originally mated to tinnerman washers. After a few years I decided I really didn't need the tinnermans after all and removed them from the entire airframe. Like Jim, I kinda agree....it may depend upon the look you're after. YMMV.

flickroll · #7 09-26-2009, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim P

Yuo can actually buy the tinnermans for a #6. For the price, it seems somewhat silly to make one and it kind of depends on the look you're after. I used the #6 w/ tinnermans and they work fine.

The home made variety are a much smaller diameter than the ones you get from Spruce. Each has it's place on the airplane. Also, a Tinnerman is not available (at least I can't find em) for a #4 screw. I am using a #4 screw on the inboard side of a Fairings Etc. Grove gear intersection fairing on my -8. Works and looks great.

flickroll · #8 09-26-2009, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick6a

I used #6 screws on the wheel pants and like everywhere else, originally mated to tinnerman washers. After a few years I decided I really didn't need the tinnermans after all and removed them from the entire airframe. Like Jim, I kinda agree....it may depend upon the look you're after. YMMV.

Thanks for the pictures Rick. I do like the look of the countersunk and will go that route. Also probably better long term for the paint around the screw head area.

Ironflight · #9 09-26-2009, 07:36 AM

Mine all look like Rick's- the only place I used tinnermna's was on the four screws on the wheel pants that attach them to the gear leg bracket - just a little extra "structure" for the attachment point. Almost 1000 hours, and none of the bare countersunk screws have been an issue.

flickroll · #10 09-26-2009, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironflight

Mine all look like Rick's- the only place I used tinnermna's was on the four screws on the wheel pants that attach them to the gear leg bracket - just a little extra "structure" for the attachment point. Almost 1000 hours, and none of the bare countersunk screws have been an issue.

Thanks for the reply Paul. I was scratching my head on what to use there. Like you, was worried a little about having enough surface area around the screw head for holding power. In this area a Spruce Tinnerman would do the trick. Thanks...