Posted 11 Apr 2017 I have someone who has offered to build me an 8" with a lower profile...think that is where I am leaning. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 11 Apr 2017 Maybe more than that Leslie if you got ahold of a new factory spring somehow. Mine is flattened out some I'm sure. Another problem you will run into if you go with a double or triple spring is the channel sides the spring fits in is only long enough to capture one 1/4 or 3/8" thickness of spring. And there is only one bolt holding the spring on. A second hole has to be added up through the bottom of the channel to hold the second (lower) spring in place. Not that hard to do when you have a trap door like mine does, but I'm guessing you don't have that added feature. JImChuk 1 person likes this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 11 Apr 2017 Here's something funny...I joked earlier about the current wheel being a shopping cart wheel....I think it actually is!!! Looking at replacements for it and the only thing that seems to meet the specs and design is actually a shopping card wheel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 11 Apr 2017 (edited) Here's something funny...I joked earlier about the current wheel being a shopping cart wheel....I think it actually is!!! Looking at replacements for it and the only thing that seems to meet the specs and design is actually a shopping card wheel.I was amazed and delighted at how Dean kept the costs down and made it easier for "ordinary folks" to build his plane - had a good chuckle when he said he cut strips out of a milk jug to make hanger bearings for the flaperons. The cable trailing edge was a money-saver too, although a better trailing edge can be made from the aluminum ones that Spruce sells. The cable brakes were another money-saver that needed upgrading too, so I guess a shopping cart tailwheel would be a cheaper way to build as well. EDMO Edited 11 Apr 2017 by EDMO Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 11 Apr 2017 Hi TSoftware,note also the recent post http://www.avidfoxflyers.com/index.php?/topic/4922-time-for-a-new-tailwheel/ I would not be too concerned about slightly raising the tail. I can't see the entire spring on your photo but it look rather short and with a 5 in wheel you might currently be lower than many others. True, if you have shopping chart wheel on the main gear... well...I do agree with previous comments, pneumatic is definitely the way to go. So is double spring... Fred Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 20 Apr 2017 Perhaps I should just knock over a shopping cart Heading to Wal-Mart to find one that doesn't wobble.lolActually I recall once doing that on an UL years ago replacing it's t/w. I had a shopping cart stashed in the back of the hanger that I found on the side of the road. Those wheels are damn good and w/sealed bearings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 20 Apr 2017 (edited) http://www.wausauspring.com That's the one. I called them 5 years ago and they knew exactly what I needed. They even shipped it before they had cash in hand (I mailed them a check). Great folks. 1 1/4" wide, fits fine in the slot of the Model C with one bolt and renders the perfect angle for the Maule assy. Edited 20 Apr 2017 by allonsye Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 23 Apr 2017 New homemade 8 inch tail wheel on original spring. 1 person likes this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 23 Apr 2017 What's the TBO on that little pivot bolt? EDMO Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 23 Apr 2017 I took my spring off and went to a car spring shop, they rebent it in 5 minutes and did it for $20.The tail wheel is at station 147.5 on my MK IV, so that every 2.6 inches is a degree (one inch per 57 inches is a degree).I went from the 6" Maule to the 8" Matco (pneumatic, single arm) and I guess I am now a degree or so lower angle at tail touch than before, but the full stall 3 pointers are just as easy as ever, and the landings are softer, the taxiing is noiseless and easy to steer, and I love the new tailwheel.Here is the full discussion thread: http://www.avidfoxflyers.com/index.php?/topic/4360-tail-wheel-swap-to-a-matco-pneumatic-8/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 23 Apr 2017 It's not hard to cold bend these springs if you have a good hydraulic press. I've done it several times. JImChuk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 11 Jun 2017 The May edition of SportAviation has a good article on tail wheel geometry, if you don't have it find someone who can loan it to you. A very worthy read. Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites