weld on ski brace

[jgerard]

I am seriously considering installing the weld on Ski brace the goes from the inner tie brace to the gear leg, but don't have much info on the mod other than a few pics off the internet. Does anyone have an idea as to what diam/wall thickness tube is used and how far down the leg it's attached. Would also consider welding on re-fueling steps to the front to the gear legs if anyone has seen that done before.

Jason
N43643

[Dick Smith]

Re: weld on ski brace

Jason, perhaps these pix will help. I used some pieces from the original tie brace on my gear to construct the braces and the main part of the fueling steps. I replaced the streamlined tie brace with the same material used on the main gear legs. Way overbuilt. I think you could use a piece of 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch tubing to keep the tie brace from bowing up, as the added piece is in compression load. I've seen a lot of Taylorcrafts with the brace added, and most of them used fairly small tubing.

[jgerard]

Re: weld on ski brace

Dick, who owns that plane with the observer typ rear window/skylight. Any-chance you have a phone# I would love to talk with him about that mod also. Did you do any paperwork when installing the brace & step? Isn't it just a log book entry because it's not a major alteration or repair. I also heard that modifying windows was not a major alteration if you do not end up changing the airframe.

Jason
N43643

[astjp2]

Re: weld on ski brace

There is a 337 for the gear brace in the tech section....Tim