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Thread: Model 4 rudder repair

  1. #1

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    Default Model 4 rudder repair

    I broke the tail wheel spring allowing the rudder to fall against the wheel this in turn bent the bottom tubing in the rudder, best way to repair?

  2. #2
    Super Moderator Av8r3400's Avatar
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    Default Re: Model 4 rudder repair

    Cut back the fabric, weld in a new tube and you are good to go.

    Any competent weld shop can perform the welding. The fabric work will depend on what type of system you have covering your plane.
    Av8r3400
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  3. #3

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    Default Re: Model 4 rudder repair

    Thank you for your reply. The bend is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch out of line, is it against the "rules" to straighten it? How do I tell if the fabric is ceconite? Has anyone used oratex on ceconite?
    Last edited by Jollyrancher; 03-02-2018 at 02:46 PM.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Model 4 rudder repair

    If it's not kinked, you can maybe/probably straighten it. Got a picture you can post? That will help people to give a more accurate and correct answer. As far as the fabric goes, that isn't the concern, its the type of chemicals used on it. If it's the polyfiber system, which is often used on Kitfoxes, the bottom layer of chemicals will be pink in color. (polybrush) JImChuk
    Last edited by avidflyer; 03-02-2018 at 05:34 PM.

  5. #5

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    Default Re: Model 4 rudder repair

    The bend in the rudder matches the diameter of the wheel. I put a straight edge under the rudder to show the amount of bend, the fabric makes it look like a kink but its not. Sorry for response time, its calving season. Thanks for the help.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  6. #6
    Senior Member rv9ralph's Avatar
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    Default Re: Model 4 rudder repair

    Watch this short video on YouTube:
    https://youtu.be/mABYn7UFgVA
    The title is: Repairing Aircraft Structural Tubing (Piper Cub) 1945 US Office of Education; WWII

    It is vintage but relevant and explains the inspection and repair issues you need to repair your type of damage.

    Ralph

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Model 4 rudder repair

    From the photo it looks like there may also be some crushing at the lower end of the spar tube. Therefore I think you should also look at that lower rudder hinge bracket. Check for any cracks in the weld, distortion of the two bearing plates etc. I'd also think splicing a new tube would be better than straightening. Maybe also check if there's any other damage to the brackets supporting the forward bolt on the leaf springs, just as a precaution.
    David
    SS7 Builder

  8. #8
    Super Moderator Av8r3400's Avatar
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    Default Re: Model 4 rudder repair

    If that is your "new" replacement tailwheel spring, don't use it. It s far too flat. This will only happen again. Either re-arch it to the proper angle or get a different unit.
    Av8r3400
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  9. #9

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    Default Re: Model 4 rudder repair

    Thanks for all the help, I'll make an inspection of hinges ect, the video was very helpful, and the new spring is already installed. The straight edge was just a piece of 304 that was handy.
    Wings folded, what's the distance between the top of the wheel assembly and the rudder. Thanks

  10. #10
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    Arrow Re: Model 4 rudder repair

    I think you could straighten the tube rater than cutting it out. My guess is that the rudder post isn't bent, just the picture may make it look like that. You can see that if it is. I will send you a private message. JImChuk

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