6A to 6... when is it too late?

[GainesvilleExpress]

Hi Everyone,

I'm thinking about picking up an RV-6A project that's near completion. I was looking for a 6 (I recently started taildragging... it's a bad habit, I know) but I've seen a few 6A's that are near completion.

My question is - how far along is "too far" to reasonably change the gear style? First and foremost, I want to go flying... so if a really good deal comes along, I just want to know some opinions on when I need to commit to the idea of a tricycle configuration.

Thanks!

 

[Greg Arehart]

Not too difficult to change after the fact - a number of flying A models have been converted to TD, including mine. Search the archives and you should find some good information. Cost for a finished airplane will be in the 2-3 thousand $ range as you need to buy new engine mount & gear legs, change some brake hardware, and add the tailwheel hardware. Can make some of that back if you sell the existing parts.

Greg

 

[rvbuilder2002]

Can make some of that back if you sell the existing parts.

Can't count on being able to do the same with a 6A.
The 6 wing spars were not drilled with the same level of precision as the 7/9.
Once the main gear weldments have been match drilled to a fuselage/wings, it wont be a direct bolt in to another fuse/wings (most likely).

 

[vfrazier]

The worst parts of converting from a 6A to a 6:
1) you've got to fill in the holes in the fuselage where the gear legs and entry steps used to be.
2) you've got to take apart the 2 aft most bulkheads and install the proper beef to hold the tailwheel

YMMV....