View Full Version : Tail Wheel Spring Fitting
chrisg
12-10-2008, 01:00 PM
Hi all,
I'm starting an experimental project using a '57 tri-pacer fuselage and the first thing I'm doing is converting to a taildragger. I won't be doing the standard Univair conversion. My questions for you all is: what tailwheel spring attachment should I use? Should I use the Univair part #20611-002? Or is there a "better" option (i.e. will I be limited by the Univair part)?
Thanks,
Chris
Steve Pierce
12-10-2008, 08:12 PM
I can't find that part on Univair's website. I know when we replaced a the pad at the tailpost on Rex's Tri-Pacer to Pacer conversion I had to order a Light Plane Components part from Univair. Someone had converted Rex's Pacer from a Tri-Pacer via field approval and used a Champ tail spring and shortened the tail post and rudder. I will have to look in my notes for the part number.
Steve Pierce
12-10-2008, 08:15 PM
Found my notes.
Piper Tailpost tailspring fitting LP027-02 $29.00 Wrong part number. Should be L1027-02.
pistoncan
12-11-2008, 09:12 AM
Hi all,
I'm starting an experimental project using a '57 tri-pacer fuselage and the first thing I'm doing is converting to a taildragger. I won't be doing the standard Univair conversion. My questions for you all is: what tailwheel spring attachment should I use? Should I use the Univair part #20611-002? Or is there a "better" option (i.e. will I be limited by the Univair part)?
Thanks,
Chris
Chris, I am doing a simular project using a 52 tripacer fuselage to build a tandem seated wagabond. The first thing you need is a set of wagabond blueprints as most of the questions you have will be on the prints. The layout of the tailspring support and the landing gear is all right there. If you can't build a tailspring attach bracket from the prints you shouldn;t be trying to build an experimental aircraft. (IMHO) Remember the 51% rule (or whatever the latest version is) You can;t just convert a tripacer to a tail dragger and call it a homebuilt. You also need to do the SB-819 to make sure the fuselage is solid. mine looked good but it wasn't. When I got done sandblasting and tapping, I ended up replacing 8 tubes. I hope you take this in the spirit of suppoort it is intended. Good luck Gary
Stephen
12-11-2008, 01:10 PM
Chris, I often thought about doing a similar project myself although, my Pacer has enough mods currently and still in the planning to keep me busy. I was thinking along the lines that Gary brought up, what other mods do you have planned, what type of gear are you thinking of installing? While Pacer gear is the most common I've seen pictures of Super Cub gear and one piece aluminimun gear.
chrisg
12-11-2008, 05:48 PM
Much more than just the tailwheel conversion:
-33' + wingspan
-taller rudder, etc.
-maule style gear and oleo
-left-side door
-more...
stretchedpacer
12-11-2008, 08:41 PM
Maybe stretch the fuselage while your at it?
Sounds like you are thinking in the right direction. Keep us posted on the progress.
Brad
Frankenpacer
12-18-2008, 03:57 PM
Much more than just the tailwheel conversion...
Since you are salvaging a fuselage and going experimental, there is no reason to limit yourself to the Piper style TW assembly. For instance, some of us have gone with round rod (RV, C-180, etc). Not that the tried and true is a bad move, but the point is, the sky is the limit... Build to suit the mission of the airplane.
pistoncan
12-18-2008, 07:55 PM
Much more than just the tailwheel conversion...
Since you are salvaging a fuselage and going experimental, there is no reason to limit yourself to the Piper style TW assembly. For instance, some of us have gone with round rod (RV, C-180, etc). Not that the tried and true is a bad move, but the point is, the sky is the limit... Build to suit the mission of the airplane.
I have heard that the RV type round rod tailwheel really tames the beast so to say... I was wondering fi it is something in the design or is it just that the tailwheel is 18 inches longer?? Thanks
Steve Pierce
03-05-2009, 06:05 PM
Update. I went to order the LP027-02 tailspring fitting and some how I messed up the part number in my notes. The correct part number is L1027-02 which is the same as Piper part number 20611-000 or similar to 20611-002 for which there is a drawing for on the SWPC CD. I edited my above post as well. ;)
Stephen
03-05-2009, 11:23 PM
Much more than just the tailwheel conversion:
-33' + wingspan
-taller rudder, etc.
-maule style gear and oleo
-left-side door
-more...
I recently extended my wings to 31' and I'm very impressed with its improved performance. Having owned and flown Cubs, I think that going to 33' will change the short wing performance so that roll rates and cruise speeds will offset any possible advantage we have with our short winged Pipers.
I love my left door, a maule oleo as in the Trimmer gear mod makes sense, but I don't think a taller rudder is needed, maybe....more elevator???.
Also, I really do not see significant advantage to lengthening the fusleage, if you have the gear set close to correct our shorter fuselage are fine. I know that a Cub is an easy taildragger to control, but Pacers set up correctly are not a problem. Having struggled landing badly aligned Pacer gear, once it was fixed it was sweet to land.
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