Shock cord replacement

[dehavalandb]

I am going to replace the shock cords on my 46 BC12D because the current ones are in very sorry shape. So I am interested in hearing from anyone who has done it. I am going to buy the installation tool from the factory before I start. I would like a heads up on tools I might need that are not normal or any potential problems that my arise. This will be a first for me. Thanks.

Jonathan Howells
46 T-Craft N34236

[Goneflyin]

Did mine and a friends a month or so ago and other than the tool we used a tie down strap to keep the wheels together and a small block of wood and a hammer to nudge the cord off the tool and onto the frame. It's a two man job because when the cord comes off one side off the tool it's a little work holding it straight while you get the other side on the frame.

Bill

[CraigH]

Follow up question?

Has anyone ever used / tried to use the special tool available through the Short Wing Piper Club for changing bungees on a T'Craft. My A&P has this tool, and we were wondering if it could be used on the T'Craft's bungees?

[paulp]

Changing shock cords

Just changed the bungee's on my 12-d-4-85 using the shock cord tool. This thing is the greatest thing since sliced bread!! Simply place the center pivot in the hole, pull the cords over the lifting portion of the tool and turn the screw. When the cord has been streached enough, just use a screw driver to pop them off of the tool and on to the mount. All four cords took a total of about 20 minutes. The reason it took that long was that we had never used this tool before. I beleive that there was a picture of one posted somewhere but I can't remember where. If anyone has any ?'s let me know.

[Tcraft Classics]

To find a couple of good bungee tool picks, go to Captain Jon's Web Page at the following link.

http://www.taylorcraft.info/tcraft/neat.htm#buntoo

I may be building a few of these soon. Any one interested, let me know what a fair price would be, and I'll take some orders. (Thats only if Daren Lucke or the factory arent going to be selling them)

[Dick Smith]

Bungee tool

Tribe, I have one of Darren's bungee tools and really like the way it works. I would caution against using a screwdriver to help the bungee make the transition from the tool to the airframe "nubbin" The end of the screwdriver, whether blade or phillips type, can cut the bungee wrapping. Would suggest using a smooth, tapered bullprick or prybar. I've seen a screwdriver end cut the outer wrapping when it was withdrawn while under the tremendous pressure of the bungee. Also get someone to help you if possible...will be safer, easier and smoother with a second set of hands. Dick N5207M TF#159

[Victor Gisclair]

Shock Cords

What kind of life do you guys get out of a set of shock cords. I replaced mine about 2 years ago and it looks like they are getting weak again. Not bad yet but not far from it. I got the last set from aircraft spruce.

Thanks

[Dick Smith]

Bungee cord life

I don't seem to have any trouble making 5 years. I use the cold weather model of bungee and have used 3 bungees on each side on several occations. If you put 2 new bungees on each gear and follow up with one of the best "old" ones on top, you have better luck hauling moose meat! Using 8.50 X 6.00 tires and stiff gear as described seems to give less "wallowing" due to stretchy bungees and still provide "give" in the ground-to-airframe interface. Dick

[Acroeric]

Darren's tool seems to be the best out there. I think there is one for sale on e-bay right now for $90. If there are several Tcraft owners in your area it would be a great group investment. The last time I changed mine a friend and I did it with a few crude tools and quickly realized that without the tool you could get hurt in a hurry. We managed to get them on but not without a few cuts and bruises.

As for how long they last. . . I always gently lift the wing from the strut attach points when I tie down for any length of time to allow the slack to be taken out. This keeps the bungies as short as possible during storage. Be careful not to damage the wing!

[dehavalandb]

Well guys, I did the bungee change and it was a real nonevent (about 30 minutes). I bought the tool from the new factory in LaGrange and it was $75+ shipping. The tool made the job super easy, I even did it by myself. The hardest part was getting the seat pulled up. When I talked to Harry at the factory he recommended changing the cords every five years. Very conservative but worth doing anyways. When I bought my T-Craft the cords hadn't been changed in 30 years. I was almost able to pull the old ones off with just my bare hands. I don't think anyone should let them get that bad, especially since it is so easy to do with the right tool.

Jonathan Howells
N34236 46' BC12D

[ROllerton]

Bingelis Bungee tool (relayed)

"Howdy men heres the copy of the bungee tool taken from
Tony Bingelis coloumn in sport aviation 1988 i think
its better than a screwdriver and also recomend
"qualified help" adios from Baldy in no. az."

(Image attachment processed by bob.o and message relayed)

http://www.homebuilt.org/vendors/info/bookstore/elsewhere/elsewhere.html

[Guest]

Re: Shock Cords

Victor, I get more than 2 years, say 4 but you may have the shock cord over the safety wire for the snag cables and its cutting to the cord. I have seen that happen and shorten cord life. Dave.

p.s. I have shock cord tools on ebay or direct, take a look, $93

Originally posted by Victor Gisclair
What kind of life do you guys get out of a set of shock cords. I replaced mine about 2 years ago and it looks like they are getting weak again. Not bad yet but not far from it. I got the last set from aircraft spruce.

Thanks

[Guest]

Sorry Forrest and all, I couldn't restrain myself from throwing in my hat and 2 cents. I saw a few plugs for other tools and it inspired me to throw my hat in too.

I have been making and selling T-craft shock cord tools for about 3 or 4 years. Maybe some folks on this list have them.

There is one of mine on ebay now if you want to see a picture. Occasionally I put an ad in the TOC newsletter (I am a TOC member).

I sell them for $93 and guarantee satisfaction. Usually the auction starts at $85 with a buy it now for $93. Once it got bid up to $112 however I still sold it for $93. One sold for $85. Nearly all others sold for the $93 buy it now price.

I see the number of post on this subject and suppose that this may be helpfull information to some.

The sales pitch for the tool looks like this;

New Taylorcraft Shock Cord Bungee Tool- New, similar to the one manufactured by Taylorcraft for their airplanes however this is an improved version of the tool. Made of square steel tubing. Arms that hold the cord in place cannot rotate out of position. Crank operates the jackscrew. It has enough reach so that the new bungees can be attached to it even when the landing gear has moved up because the old bungees have been removed. Locks into position when the bungee has been fully stretched for no hands operation. You don’t have to balance the tool while you slide the cords off of it. The tool remains stable even after you slide one side of the bungee off the tool and onto the plane. No wrestling or balancing required to keep the tool from popping out of position. I think you will find it to be the best tool you have ever used. Buyer pays actual shipping for 9.75 lbs. from zip 12603. Comes with instructions, satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Sales tax applies if sold in NY.

$93 each


They are made in a jig, must have sold a couple dozen so far and never a complaint.

Dave Rude

- phone 845-473-0713 call for info or questions, leave message if no answer and I'll get back to you.