LSaupe

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Posts posted by LSaupe


  1. Question for you all:
     
    I am covering my horizontal stab and rudder today.  I am trying to use a single piece of fabric for each in a wrap mode.
     
    Mi intial thought here is to glue it to the non-hinge ends and have the non glued wrap on the large tube diameter (hinge tube).
     
    Is this correct?  If so, when you glue to the two halves together (first half is already glued and dried) how do you keep puckering from happening (i.e. it glues beyond the 90 degree point on the tube as the fabric it is being glued to is not yet shrunk?
     
    I did my elevator using a two piece method (bottom and then top) and didnt have this issue as I was gluing the second sheet to a shrunk fabric.

  2. Getting ready to cover the main fuselage and tail feathers on a Mod III and could use an estimate on ho wmuch fabric to order.  Anyone have a good feel for this?  Wings are already covered.
     
    Many thanks,
     
    Larry S.

  3. Dave;

     

    Any updates and/or pics?  If you had to start from scratch would you go the Oratex route for your whole bird?  I am guessing the fusalage/tail feathers takes about the same material as the wings, or would it be more?  Just trying to see if the $6,100 estimate is good number.


  4. I am looking for new floor wood for my Model III KF.  Originally this had 5 ply 1/8"  I can find it at Aircraft Spruce, however the shipping is horrendous (over $100.00 just in shipping for two 2' x 4' pieces).  Actually all I need is two 26" x 16" pieces, but I imagine it is the 4 foot dimension that is messing this up.

     

    Any other suppliers out there that carry smaller sizes?


  5. I am looking at Stewart Systems and Poly Fiber.  I prefer the Stewart Systems, however it requires a large compressure 14 CFM.

     

    I have a smaller compressor (6 CFM) and am curious as if the Poly Fiber spray requirements are less.

     

    Anyone have experience with this?  Are there recommended guns and flow rates for Poly Fiber?  Couldnt find anything specific on the PF website.

     

    Larry S.


  6. I also plan on going the Matco 8".  Would this also require a main leaf spring change as well, or can I just bolt the new tail wheel onto the double leaf system supplied with my Kitfox III?  I.e. unbolt the Maule and bolt on the Matco?


  7. Hey Randy, Thank you for the reply and for posting the images.  

     

    I should have mentioned it, but in this case the kit is new (has never flown).  Looks to have been possibly a fabrication issue (I have heard from others with the same problem).  Maybe that is one reason for changing over to an adjustable system like on the Model IVs?


  8. I am in the process of changing out my Kitfox Mod III rudder with a Mod IV.

    When I fit up the new rudder (still using the original bushings on the vert stab), I find that the lowest of the 4 bushing mounts is 1/4" further forward that the top 3. I.e. you could drop a rod down through the top three bushing guides, but it would then pass behind the bottom guide. Looks like it was built this way from day 1.

    Anyone run across this before? What is odd is that the rudder I took off was actually bent to fit (lower part bent forward 1/4"). It did seem to move o.k.

    Trying to sort out if this is a big deal or not. I can bend the new rudder to fit, however it will still need to accommodate the non-linear movement (to the tune of 0.15" at full 37 degree deflection - side loading). I assume the tubes will all try to bend to allow motion, but with the fabric on I am concerned about increase loading and fatigue.

    One option is to bend the rudder and leave as is (and live with the stresses). The other is to move the lower fuselage bushing out 1/4" and then fill that gap between the rudder leading edge as appropriate.

    Anyone run across a similar situation? Are there any tolerances for hinge mounts on tube-n-fabric birds like these?


  9. Hi EDMO.  Its a Model III (which measures the same as a friends Model IV-1200)

     

    I see Kitfox sells a larger elevator for the Lite2 (trigear) and offers it for the others.  Anyone familiar with this one?

     

    ***************************************************************************************************************************

     

     

    Enlarged Elevator Model 3, 4 and Lite2 (squared)  
    Designed for the tri-gear version of the Kitfox Lite2, but suitable for earlier Kitfox’s this new  Elevator improves flare authority with a full flap, forward CG condition.   
     
    Part #: Part #51018.201 

  10. I will be installing an elevator trim system prior to covering.  I also had a suggestion to increase the cord length of the elevator by 4" to help with slow speed authority (especially with flaps depolyed).

     

    Worth the trip and has anyone here done this mod?


  11. Unfortunately I don't know the answers to your questions (just the messenger).  If interested, I am sure the owner could fill you in quickly.

     

    I do know he took the new engine and sent it out for an overhaul to one of the Rotax service centers to make sure it was fresh (as it had been in storage for a long time prior to kit completion).  Not sure when that was however.


  12. One of our EAA chapter members has lowered the price on his bird for quick sale so I thought I would pass it along.  I will try to get some pics posted as well.

     

    ************************************************************************************************************************

     

     

    Terry Wade wanted to pass along that he has lowered the price on his bird.  It is a 0 hr Kitfox II with Full Lotus floats (and also traditional gear, which it has on it now).  Airworthiness is complete and it is registered as ELSA.  Just has never been flown. Located in Charlton, NY.
     
    His bargain price is $12,000.00    582 Rotax and 3 blade ground adjustable prop.  Extras.
     
    His number is (518) 399-4999
     
    Pics at:
     

  13. O.K. through all of this, do we have an estimate of what it would cost (total cost with glue and tapes) to cover a KF or Avid with Oratex (4K ish)?  I am fixing to start a cover of my plane (a Model III) and am currently planning to use Stewart Systems, but... do like the option of not having to deal with fill coats and top coats.  Mine will be a solid color and that is another driver.  A few folks sounded like they had intentions of trying.  Any feedback from those who have used it (and would they do it again)?

     

    Larry S.


  14. Thanks for the image.  That is quite a bit different than the system I used.  (I basically used the old 4 place round-tube-pin-bushing system it had previously). Vertical height increase of the vert stab was 6.5"  When together reasonably well.


  15. Thanks for the feedback.

     

    However, I do have to plead ignorance.  Just havent heard of staples. being used.  Is this a typical option for wood ribs?


  16. Question for those flying a Model III.

     

    Any practical experience either way?

     

    Consensus on Rin Stitching for this model?  Wings, tail, neither, one or both?