Grove gear finish/corrosion protection

[colospace]

I'm getting real close to being able to install my Grove main gear.
Grove "highly recommends" corrosion protection for the "inaccessible portion" of the gear. They mention epoxy prime or anodize.
I'm just wondering what most folk have done and how it has worked out over time as far as effectiveness and maintenance.

[SkyPirate]

mine wasn't polished when I got it..but the previous over went over it with a DA GRINDER.. so I got out the buffer and rubbing compound..took awhile but got most of the scratches out,..the steel components I also coated with wax..thought about painting it but its an area where it will get kicked stepped on etc,,easier to hit it with a buffer once in a while then try to clean up scratches in a coating of sorts.

[Av8r3400]

My new Grove gear was delivered in the "DA" sanded finish.

Since I am not a polisher, I plan to paint the gear. I have a an etching primer, finish primer and epoxy paint to match the Nevada Silver which will be on the lower half of my plane.

[ken nougaret]

I was wondering the same thing, especially for the area directly under the fuse. Alodine, prime, or not worry about it because it can hardly be seen.

[AirFox]

I had my gear powder coated by a local shop for $75. It has held up great with no chips or scratches over the past year 250 hours and lots of landings. Make sure the shop doesn't heat the oven over 400 deg due the heat treatment done at the factory to the spring gear.

Here is a pic under construction.
http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/alb...pictureid=4331

Scott

[Dave S]

For our Kitfox, the gear was etched, painted with epoxy primer and topped with white aerothane - same color as on the fuselage.

This has held up very well and on it's 6th year of service (attached). Just wash & wax to keep it looking nice...or ignore it over winter and clean it up again in the spring for fresh bugs.

Sincerely,

Dave S
KF 7 Trigear
912uls warp drive
St Paul, MN

[rogerh12]

Alodine is great stuff, but leaves a super thin coat. I would not use it anywhere that could be exposed to rubbing or scratching.
Roger

[colospace]

Well, based upon input from Grove and Kitfoxers, I have primed/painted only the "inaccessible" portions of the gear and mounting blocks leaving the saddle portion unfinished. Plan to annually spray some Corrosion-X into that area. I polished the outer legs. We'll see how it all works out maintenance wise over time, but I think it looks pretty good now.