tailwheel assy replacements

[roadrunner20]

I will be converting my 7A to a 7 and want to begin buying the replacement parts. I'll be requesting Van's part list tomorrow. Since it's cold & rainy in Florida today, it's a great day to do the research.

The archives have several threads on tailwheel replacements but most are from 2006-2010. A lot has changed since that time.

With that being said, what have others found to be a better replacement for Van's stock assembly?
Or is Van's stock assembly the way to go?
FlyBoys?

[SeanB]

Also, JD Air. I've purchased their steering link and other products. Not flying yet, but sure looks like good stuff.

I purchased the lightweight tailwheel thru Van's that is made by DJM Manufacturing.

Bell for the fork.

[Tom Martin]

Vince Fraziers tail wheel assemblies are a real upgrade in that area and Vince is easy to work with. The tail fork will give you more clearance, improves steering and will allow you to mount the Van's tail faring if you want to gain 10 knots in appearance.
http://www.flyboyaccessories.com/sto...et7vl1hp03b620

[C-FAH Q]

Ditto onthe flyboys tailwheel. It is a awesome improvement.

[Greg Arehart]

Dan,

I converted the 9A to a 9 about a year ago. Basically you need the tail assembly (weldment, fork, wheel, and assorted hardware). I think any of the new forks mentioned are an improvement over the standard one (which I think is likely to catch if you go over a sharp bump). I got a JDair link and although expensive, it works very nicely. I also got a castle nut to put on the top of the fork, rather than the nylock nut (let me know if you want one, I had to buy a bunch to get one so can send you one). You may also need a couple new HS brackets (F711 or something like that) if yours was a slowbuild and you thinned these brackets for weight savings.

Also need a new engine mount - mine fit perfectly though a few others have had to make minor adjustments. To go with that are new gear legs and plumbing to move the brake lines (Bonaco or TS flightlines are nice options here).

There's another recent thread here on VAF regarding conversion of a 7A to a 7. Good luck, have fun, and don't hesitate to give me a call if I can help.

Cheers,
Greg

[Ironflight]

We're running Bell or Bell "clones" (sold by Alex D.) on all three airplanes, and using Dayton's lightweight tail wheel on the -3 (stock Van's wheel's on the other two) due to weight. Silver Bullet Links on all three, but they are no longer available - several others have been mentioned that will do the same job. Using the Bell or Flyboy's fork will enable you to use Van's "knuckle" on the end of the spring - if you go with the API fork (I had one for about 1,000 hours on the RV-8), you'll need their knuckle, tail wheel, and control arm - they have uniques sizes, and that can be a pain if you're trying to find parts in a hurry.

Any of them are an improvement in ground clearance over stock!

Paul

[Pat Hatch]

I've go two of Vince's tailwheels and couldn't be happier with them. One is for a fairing and the other for grass strips, etc. As Tom Martin said, Vince's fork really makes it easy to use Van's tailwheel fairing. I permanently glassed the fairing to the fork which makes the fairing really solid. Just takes a few minutes to change them out.







Oh yeah, and since I took these pictures, I also switched to the tapered pins instead of the two AN3 bolts shown here. Highly recommended also.

[roadrunner20]

Originally Posted by Greg Arehart

Dan,
You may also need a couple new HS brackets (F711 or something like that) if yours was a slowbuild and you thinned these brackets for weight savings.

I removed my HS/VS fairing & opened up the rear fuselage this afternoon & found I hadn't trimmed the VS brackets because at the time, I thought I'd eventually go conventional gear. I had forgotten all about it. That will save me a few hours of not having to remove & replace it. Looks like I'll just have to drill out 2 rivets, drill to size, and attach the tailwheel support.

[roadrunner20]

Originally Posted by Pat Hatch

I've go two of Vince's tailwheels and couldn't be happier with them. One is for a fairing and the other for grass strips, etc. As Tom Martin said, Vince's fork really makes it easy to use Van's tailwheel fairing. I permanently glassed the fairing to the fork which makes the fairing really solid. Just takes a few minutes to change them out.




Oh yeah, and since I took these pictures, I also switched to the tapered pins instead of the two AN3 bolts shown here. Highly recommended also.

Looks like Vince's gear is the way to go including the rocket steering link.
This makes a really nice clean setup.

Thank you for everyones input.

[RV7Guy]

We have a tailwheel fork available that is lighter and provides increased clearance over the stock Van's. I really enjoy the added visibility lifting the tail provides!!

All products are in stock and available for immediate shipping.

Check them out. www.jdair.com