Aileron bellcrank cable end fitting

[NC22211]

The aileron bellcrank has to attach with an an3 bolt to the control cable via a fitting. The pre-war Taylorcraft here, which I am using as a reference, used a thimble at this fitting. The thimble is slid into the gap provided in the bellcrank ears and simply rotates around the an3 bolt holding it in place. I am skeptical of this installation, as the thimble really isn't appropriate and causess wear to the bellcrank ears. So, I must ask the experts here for the correct installation.

It seems to me that the control cable would have had a bushing end woven or nico-pressed to the cable and inserted into the bellcrank ears. That would provide the correct bearing surface, but I believe the bushing fittings are pretty thick, requiring the ears to be spread out for a correct fit. That leads me to suspect something else was done.

Is it possible that the same rectangular steel spacers that were used in the elevator linkage ends were also required at the bellcrank ears? That would seem to make the most sense.

I checked for a thread here, but can't seem to find anything.

Expert opinions and assistance most welcomed! Your knowledge certainly helps reduce the head scratching time that takes away from the git-er-done time! Bob Coolbaugh

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Aileron bellcrank cable end fitting

Original cable had a steel eyelet the cable was woven around, you could use a steel spacer as a substitute if needed be in the thimble

[Dick Smith]

Re: Aileron bellcrank cable end fitting

This link may help.

http://www.taylorcraft.com/Cable/player.html

Thanks to Mike Rice and Buell Powell.

[NC22211]

Re: Aileron bellcrank cable end fitting

Thanks! That eyelet, or bushing, as I recall it, is what I suspected was proper for the bellcrank end. Mike: I believe what you are saying is that the thimble is OK as long as I put a steel spacer bushing over the AN3 bolt so the thimble rides on the spacer instead of the bolt. I guess the other purpose for the spacer is to keep the bellcrank ears spaced sufficiently apart not to interfer with the thimble movement.

Has anyone used the flat steel pieces as used on the elevator ends?? Bob

[Ray36048]

Re: Aileron bellcrank cable end fitting

The one set I took apart had a fiber bushing.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Aileron bellcrank cable end fitting

bushing, no flat steel.

[NC22211]

Re: Aileron bellcrank cable end fitting

Thanks to you all. I no whave four AN110 bushings over with Andrew King for Navy Tuck splicing onto the cables.

Progress on the '39 Model BL/BC-65: Jim and Dondi Miller sent the Randolph Products and Ceconite last week. Even with the Taylorcraft Club discount, it nearly hit $5000! That's all the incentive I need to really do a good job! Can't afford to cut it off and start again.

If I can figure out how to post photos here, I'll do that. Bob C.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Aileron bellcrank cable end fitting

If you've got Andrew King and Jim & Dondi Miller involved...you're on to a good job! They're top people.

As to posting photos...someone needs to do a tutorial. We'd love to see your photos.