REFLECTOR: Main gear leg problems

[lawrence epstein]

Lou,

I would like to see the pics as well, so why not post them here!

Larry Epstein
173 FGE



> From: stedmanlou at roadrunner.com
> To: reflector at tvbf.org
> Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:53:09 -0400
> Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Main gear leg problems
> 
> I considered a new gear but decider that I could have the same problem again 
> with the new gear. With the bootie, there is no fear of heat transfer to the 
> epoxy. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet. Good luck. I have 
> pictures if you need to see them. email me off line a 
> stedmanlou at adelphia.net
> 
> Lou Stedman
> Velocity N7044Q
> Olean, NY
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Dave Philipsen" <velocity at davebiz.com>
> To: "Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list" <reflector at tvbf.org>
> Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 7:10 PM
> Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Main gear leg problems
> 
> 
> > Yeah, only problem is that the factory tells me that the booties are
> > technically made for the RG although some have modified them to fit on
> > the FG.  A complete new fiberglass ger leg (bow) costs about the same as
> > a pair of booties.  In addition to all of that, I will have to pay a
> > $400 premium because I have not "registered" with the factory as the new
> > owner (bought it 2 yrs. ago from the builder).
> >
> >
> > Lou Stedman wrote:
> >> I am here to tell you that it is not pleasant when this situation causes 
> >> the
> >> leg to fracture on landing. Mine did and by the time I replaced the prop 
> >> and
> >> removed the engine for inspection, I have spent well over $5000. If you 
> >> want
> >> my two cents, it is buy the booties and fix it now. When the leg heats up
> >> enough to bend, the epoxy that was in the heated area will wick down,
> >> leaving dry fiberglass. That is exactly what happened to me. You know the
> >> old saying, "you can pay me now or pay me later" pay it now and save
> >> yourself a lot of time and money.
> >>
> >> Lou Stedman
> >> Velocity N7044Q
> >> Olean, NY
> >> ----- Original Message ----- 
> >> From: "Dave Philipsen" <velocity at davebiz.com>
> >> To: "Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list" <reflector at tvbf.org>
> >> Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:56 PM
> >> Subject: REFLECTOR: Main gear leg problems
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>> Recently I noticed that at least one of my wheels (haven't looked
> >>> closely at the other one yet) is cambered out slightly at the bottom.  I
> >>> believe this is due to excessive heat from the brakes causing the gear
> >>> leg to soften a bit.  From the heat and the weight of the airplane the
> >>> gear leg has splayed out slightly at the bottom. I'm not so sure that
> >>> grinding off part of the axle mating surface on the leg will help that
> >>> much because I believe that the bolt holes are angled.
> >>>
> >>> I have an idea and I just thought I'd throw it out to the group to see
> >>> what kind of response I get.  What if I were to take the wheel off,
> >>> remove the axle shaft and re-mount it on the opposite side of the gear
> >>> leg (pointing inward)?  Then I would allow the full weight of the
> >>> airplane to rest on the axle shaft which would rest on a block of wood
> >>> on the floor.  Perhaps I could use a heat gun to heat the bottom of the
> >>> gear leg and allow it to bend back in the right direction.
> >>>
> >>> Is this feasible or would it be more work than it's worth?  I suppose
> >>> the other alternative would be to buy some aluminum feet as I have heard
> >>> the factory sells these.
> >>>
> >>> -- 
> >>> Dave Philipsen
> >>> Velocity STD-FG
> >>> N83DP
> >>>
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> >>
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> >
> > -- 
> > Dave Philipsen
> > Velocity STD-FG
> > N83DP
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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