Tail Post Damage

[woodmw]

Re: Tail Post Damage

Is it allowed to grind, i.e., smooth, weld bead before redoing fabric?

[astjp2]

Re: Tail Post Damage

In short, no. Just put a tape over it. Tim

[Marv]

Re: Tail Post Damage

Hank it is fabric. Why not sew a stainless zipper in there? Marv

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Tail Post Damage

That would work too, we just did some research and a painted aluminum skin held in place with Adel clamps and screws to the tube actually turned out LIGHTER than fabric and paint!

Hank

[clear_prop1961]

Re: Tail Post Damage

Hank- I have no plans to add an alum access panel. In my case I did not notice any debris to speak of in this area. I believe the main problem is internal corrosion of the tubing and not external corrosion.... and a access panel will not help this issue since the bottom of the tubing is covered with fabric. I guess if the panel went across the bottom of the tubing so they could be inspected maybe this would be helpful but then again the tail wheel spring is covering this area so I'm not sure. Besides I'm in someone else's hangar away from my home base and I'm under pressure to get the job done.... so it is back to the way it was which is quickest.

Started doing the fabric repair today... will have more photos later this week.
Jerry

[woodmw]

Re: Tail Post Damage

Jerry...

The second picture in post #12, the one where the welder is sitting on the creeper with the backrest (which I plan to copy within the week). Left side in the background, banks of 6 cylinders and heads? Curious what they might be.

[astjp2]

Re: Tail Post Damage

Most Alaskan airplanes just dont cover the triangle area of the tailpost, that way they can inspect for cracks every preflight. Tim

[clear_prop1961]

Re: Tail Post Damage

Mike- Those are Merlin cylinders and heads. The guy doing the welding has a Merlin engine overhaul shop.... which is always cool to see go together. Of course this brings in the P-51's from time to time and the sound is unique and unmistakable.
Today we finished the fabric work less the doping... I'll have some photos tomorrow.
Jerry

[clear_prop1961]

Re: Tail Post Damage

Here is a up-date on the fabric repair. First photo shows adding a 3" tape behind the cut line and new fabric on the belly area. The other photos should be self explanatory.

[clear_prop1961]

Re: Tail Post Damage

Here are a few more photos of the fabric repair thur silver. Next is painting white and then the red.

[astjp2]

Re: Tail Post Damage

You should have left the rear open, then you could inspect it. Did you at least open the hole in the rear to allow it to vent? Tim

[clear_prop1961]

Re: Tail Post Damage

Here is the last report. It took three tries to get the red to match... but the third was a charm. I flew it back home today. I noticed that there is some play in the Lang tail wheel steering arm when you hold the wheel from moving.... I need to look at this. What is acceptable play??
Jerry

[astjp2]

Re: Tail Post Damage

Its acceptable up until it begins to shimmy. Your tail spring does not look right, it looks like its missing a spacer...and the stackup is off. It may just be the picture though from the angle I am looking at it from. Tim

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Tail Post Damage

The middle spring is supposed to be shorter in the front. If the two bottom springs are full length when you drop the tail down they can't slide across each other and the front attach bolt can be sheered in two. There is supposed to be a spacer in the front between the top spring and the bottom spring.
This summer I saw a plane set up like yours is and when the springs were taken off and inspected the front end of the middle spring had a fore and aft slot instead of being short. I am pretty sure that is how Piper did it but that middle spring was not right for a Taylorcraft. The middle and bottom springs SHOULD NOT BOTH HAVE ROUND HOLES!

Hank

Don't forget to mouse the springs! REALLY exciting when one comes loose!

[3Dreaming]

Re: Tail Post Damage

I agree that yours is set up wrong. If those two long springs both have round holes it will shear the bolts when the springs flex. That could leave you needing to do another repair.