Seasonal change from Floats/Skiis

[Grant S. Bailey]

Dick and other Taylorcraft floatplane operators,

When you change from skiis/wheels to floats each year, do you manage to save the bungee cords? Does the removal of bungee cords (without damage) work as well as installation with the bungee cord tool?

[Dick Smith]

bungee swap

Grant, I've managed to swap bungees without much trouble. It's easier to put them on, than to remove, in my opinion. A couple of pointers...have some good, agile help, well-positioned and use only good, round, tapered prybars. Avoid any sharp edges...otherwise, you will cut something. I won't use even a round phillips screwdriver, as the point can(will) cut something at the instant the bungee finds its way out of tension, when you gently pry it off the "nubbin". Take your time and have some help in position. You can find yourself in a spot where you can't go back...and you will need a helper who can help you release the tension slowly and smoothly. Old bungees aren't too hard to lift over the nubbin...new ones will "turn the corner" very quickly! Sometimes,when removing bungees, I've used parachute cord run under the tensioned bungee, tied each end to a piece of pipe or thick dowel...and lifted the bungee up and over the nubbin. Involves some degree of contorsion! I have a bungee tool built by Darren Lucke...It works very well...but I still like to have a 2nd set of hands available, if possible. Dick

[Carl Ellis]

Use the bungee tool. You can borrow one from the foundation.

No worries about slipping tools or bungees that way.

- Carl -

[Lubeck]

I made a tool from 3/4" pipe that I use to remove my bungees for the annual float change. I welded a L shape to the middle of a 4 foot long pipe. With both doors open and two people one on each side of the plane. The "L" hook is positioned under the bungee, lift up and over the fitting and gently let down the bungee.

[Grant S. Bailey]

I like the sounds of that one. Thanks fellows.