Nose Gear to Tail Wheel Conversion... Completed!

Hey Guys thought I would attempt posting a few pictures of the conversion.
I have a KF7 which was a nose wheeled airplane when I bought it which worked out since I myself was not yet a tail wheel pilot. I purchased the plane flew it a season then decided to obtain my tailwheel endorsement then convert the plane. All has gone well so far. I achieved my endorsement through Stick and Rudder. Then converted the plane. Completed my paperwork. Now waiting for some good weather.

I didn't find to much info on the topic though having the factory weldments makes all the difference.

I have Grove Gear, I purchased new grove wheels, dual piston brakes, 26" ABW, T3 Tail Wheel and the The Alaska Bush tail wheel 3200.

You need a few additional parts from Kitfox namely chains, springs, clevis, and assorted bolting hardware, I also purchased the upgraded gear attach brackets my old ones were steel bars with half round delrin or abs plastic or whatever they were made of. I used the newer two piece aluminum mounts from KF.

I repainted my main gear, mounted the gear (the hardest part of the project is supporting the plane during the conversion or most nerve racking). I built a sturdy brace jacked the plane up and set it down on the brace. My points of contacts for the brace where the main wing attach bolts at the fuselage connection. I left the nose gear and mounted the tail wheel. I removed the nose gear after the main gear was complete. Greased the bearings, mounted the tires, refit the brakes, set the chains with a few extra links, requested an inspection and logbook entry completed a new weight and balance. That is a brief synopsis of the process.

NOW it looks like a proper aeroplane :D

Very nice indeed.

Hope you can go have some fun soon. :)

What a transformation!

Looks like a completely different airplane.

I really like that last picture. She looks like she is really ready to go! JImChuk

Looks really nice, I think the Kitfox looks better as a taildragger, just my personal opinion.

What tailwheel did you use?

From delicate concourse aircraft to backcountry boy .... great transformation !. Congratulations on a good looking plane.:D

Thanks guys! I am happy. little less visibly over the nose but a lot more capable.

Oh! I need to add a thicker seat cushion!!

I used the Alaska Bushwheel 3200. pretty much a scott 3200. The assembly is not the lightest I think a lighter tailwheel may prevail at some point.

Good choices on the TW spring, Breaks and ABW. Beautiful airplane! I'm sure I'll see you around the NW.

Scott

I love the single barb pin stripe. You may be seeing something similar coming to another plane around here. ;)

Go for its Josh!

Well got her up today! rain/snow and low clouds. My first impression is OMG she got off the ground way quicker! Cold day, pilot only, swear it was only 100'. I am very happy with it. Good day!

How did you support the airplane when you moved the main gear?

Ahh..what a difference a wheel makes! Great looking plane!

Is the grove gear the same for the tw as nw configuration, or is it tw grove gear taller?

It’s the same gear. However, a couple of us have taller than normal spring gear

Did you require any additional weight in the tail when doing the W&B?

I didn’t on my Series 6.