Tail spring Question

[N95334]

Well I broke my tail spring and need replacement. I looked in A/S catalog and it shows one for the Taylorcraft BC-12D as 1 1/2 inch wide and 10 inches between holes. Well my old broken one is different. It is 1 1/4 wide and distance between holes is 12.5 inches. Humm, either the old one was home made or A/S is not selling the correct one. The distance from the tail post to the bolt for the tail spring in 6.5 inches foward of tail post. Is this correct? The old broken spring was 3 springs and so has the one A/S sells. I am confused. Now there had been a repair in the tail years ago due to rust and I wonder if the bolt hole for the tail spring was moved foward of the tail post then. Any help?

[1938BF50]

Re: Tail spring Question

Yours measures different because it is sprung(shot). I ordered one from Wag-Aero last spring. Perfect fit and WHAT A DIFFERENCE in the attitide of the aircraft at rest! Several threads on this subject if you search. Good luck.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Tail spring Question

Dennis:

what type of tailwheel do you have, and what is the width of the "pocket" that takes the leaf spring?

[astjp2]

Re: Tail spring Question

I am running a Scott 3200 and had to drill out the spring for a larger bolt, or you can bush the hole and use a smaller bolt. I got one from Spruce last summer, it was exactly the same as what was previously installed. Tim

[N95334]

Re: Tail spring Question

Thanks,
I have a Scott tailwheel that had a shim in the slot for the leaf spring. Taking out the shim will let the 1 1/2 inch leaf spring fit. (shim was for the 1 1/4 inch spring) As for the length I guess the one I had was not original being only 1 1/4 wide and longer. Got the new springs in the mail yesterday from A/S and has decal with Univair on it. It fits ok but a little (2.5 inches) shorter. Will have to obtain shorter springs or use the compression ones. After two years of ownership it has been an education. The more I fly and work on it I realize how little I know about Taylorcrafts.

[astjp2]

Re: Tail spring Question

I use only the 2 tension springs and the connecting links, no chain required...tim

[Robert Lees]

Re: Tail spring Question

Tim,

You need some more of that coffee. We're talking leaf springs, not steering springs.

[astjp2]

Re: Tail spring Question

Thanks,
I have a Scott tailwheel that had a shim in the slot for the leaf spring. Taking out the shim will let the 1 1/2 inch leaf spring fit. (shim was for the 1 1/4 inch spring) As for the length I guess the one I had was not original being only 1 1/4 wide and longer. Got the new springs in the mail yesterday from A/S and has decal with Univair on it. It fits ok but a little (2.5 inches) shorter. Will have to obtain shorter springs or use the compression ones. After two years of ownership it has been an education. The more I fly and work on it I realize how little I know about Taylorcrafts.

I never saw a compression tail spring on a T-craft, must be some new stc I need to make my airplane heavier!