Wheel pants

[bartsey]

I am about to spring for a BC-12 project and will be needing some wheel pants/wheel skirts/wheel fairings sometime in the future. I don't really need originals but am wondering if some repro's are available anyplace along with the mounting brackets. Aircraft Spruce has a collection of different types but it is hard to determine the most correct ones. What think?
Robert Bartunek
Naples, FL

Finally found the forum search feature and found this was roundly discussed before. I will continue my own research into the question and if I find anything definitive I will post to the discussion forum.
RB

[whake]

Re: Wheel pants

Wag Aero has the mounting brackets..Wheel pants are hard to come by I am planning to modify ones that look close to the original...I see that you live just south of me. I have '45 BC12D aty Venice airport.

[bartsey]

Re: Wheel pants

OK on Wag Aero and the brackets. I've looked at several wheel pant/fairing designs and most would look OK on a Cessna but not on a T-Craft. I did see some correct looking ones on a for sale bird on Aero Trader. I think the airplane has sold but still can be viewed at:

http://www.airplanetrader.com/apdetail12262.htm

Robert Bartunek

[midniteflyer52]

Re: Wheel pants

Hi Robert,
Original style wheel pants are rare. The Ferris's choice was the Aeronca style wheel pant for their F-19. This is commonly known as the egg shaped pant. Wag Aero probably stocks these also. I looked at the plane you referred to in the Aero Trader. It's hard to tell but I think they are Luscombe pants. Because of the common tire size, either would probably look ok. Just my opinion mind you.
Regards,
Glen Brodeur
TF #42

[Norm G]

Re: Wheel pants

Glen, I recently picked up a set of original wheel pants from a friend of mine who had owned two TCrafts. The only problem is they have a lot of small dents. I'm not sure of the best way to remove the dents without causing some damage. I guess I'l have to bone up on my body work techniques.

Just a update on my 41D. Wings and all control serfaces are ready for covering. All wood is done and in place. the control column assy and rudder pedal assy are also in place. The Rudder pedals are kind of tight with the new hold down straps. I'm going to have to do something about that. Next will be pulleys and cables.

Glen, if your in the area, stop by, for that matter, any TCrafter is welcome. I'm always looking for advice.

Norm G

[mgold]

Re: Wheel pants

Just a thought the body shop locally said sometimes on hail damage they would
take a heatlamp and heat the metal. Then put dry ice on the stop and would
pop most of out. Don't know might be worth a shot.

[bartsey]

Re: Wheel pants

Dem Dents. A few years back I watched an IA take dents out of metal by lightly tapping around the outside of the dent with a hammer. Many many light taps just outside the dent and it would disappear. He said it expanded the metal slightly and pushed the dent out. Just light taps but lots of them.

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Wheel pants

Good on-line tutorial on sheetmetal at tinmantech.com
The nice thing is that Kent sells any and all tools you might need.

For wheel pants -- start with a rawhide mallet and and a hand dolly...and tap lightly!

Better yet, attend one of Kent's workshops at Oshkosh.

[mustang]

Re: Wheel pants

there's a set listed on ebay right now, look like originals.