Aluminum Tailwheel spring

[FoxDB]

Could someone with the Aluminum Tailwheel spring on a model 1-IV tell me the thickness. I would like to build one. I assume the width is 1.25".
Thanks Dave

[FoxDB]

Surely someone has an Aluminum Tailwheel spring!

[cainbird]

I thought I heard the aluminum tail springs were more prone to breaking than the steel one's were. I have an aluminum tail spring at the hanger I will measure it for you tomorrow.

Cain B

[cainbird]

Come to think of it, I had an aluminum tail spring on my model 1 which failed. When it broke it drove the tail wheel up into the rudder bending the rudder and ripping the fabric. I built a steel spring out of truck leaf spring which I bought from a local spring shop. I also had to repair the rudder of course! This happened several years ago and I didn't think of it until just now. Mabey the new aluminum spring are made of different material today but I'm unsure.

Thanks~Cain B

[DesertFox4]

Loved my aluminum tail spring and it never broke. Just hope if you build your own you know how to temper it for strength. Years ago when I purchased my aluminum spring I installed it then taxied to the runway. It was bent just from taxiing through the grass. Evidently some got out of the factory with "bad tempers". Sorry about that last line.:rolleyes:

[Dave F]

Could someone with the Aluminum Tailwheel spring on a model 1-IV tell me the thickness. I would like to build one. I assume the width is 1.25".
Thanks Dave


Do your self a favour and call Mc Bean -- his 3 leaf spring will work the best.

they all will break - Steel or Aluminum.

John's I have kicked the crap out of and it still ticking.

Unless you like to make your own which I have done and worked equally as well.

for under $100.00 M Bean is a simple fix and cheap.

My nieghbour has a Mod 5 and snapped the alum spring -- cost him alodt to repair -- new rudder -rod ends for hinges as they all bent.
plus fabirc -- paint etc................

Plus he had to leave in a frozen field last winter for a few days

[leptronjohn]

the aluminum tail spring is 3/4 inch. I have over 700 hours on mine, back country strips and all. it came from grove..
john

[FoxDB]

Thanks John.

[Bryan]

Dave I have two of these and would sell one if you are interested. Bryan at620-481-1976