I have an almost full set of AS1 drag wires. They are AN703 tie rods as called out in the plans. There are two issues with this set which makes it incomplete;
1) I'm missing one 34" wire. I think Kermit Weeks borrowed it for the Weeks Special when one of his originals broke but it's been to long ago to be sure.
2) The two 38" wires for the center section were ordered as rod length instead of pin center length. As a result I have 6 38" rod length wires. It isn't really possible to shorten the 38" wires and use them in the center section because you run out of thread right at 38" pin center to pin center.
The three wires could be replaced by having them made here. They are forum members and fine craftsmen. As to cost, I did not get a quote but I would expect them to be more reasonable than the normal source.
You should also know that these tie rods are threaded with left and right threads. This is not a problem (other than needing some left-hand nuts) and might even be a plus.
Another potential plus is that there are wrench flats on both ends inboard of the threads.
Why use AN703 tie rods instead of 4130 round stock threaded on both ends? One would be a weight savings since the wires are drawn during the fabrication process. Aeroplane Works claims a 30% savings.
I'd like to get $250 for the set which consists of 12ea @ 44", 6ea @ 38" and 3ea @ 34". Feel free to make me an offer.
1) I'm missing one 34" wire. I think Kermit Weeks borrowed it for the Weeks Special when one of his originals broke but it's been to long ago to be sure.
2) The two 38" wires for the center section were ordered as rod length instead of pin center length. As a result I have 6 38" rod length wires. It isn't really possible to shorten the 38" wires and use them in the center section because you run out of thread right at 38" pin center to pin center.
The three wires could be replaced by having them made here. They are forum members and fine craftsmen. As to cost, I did not get a quote but I would expect them to be more reasonable than the normal source.
You should also know that these tie rods are threaded with left and right threads. This is not a problem (other than needing some left-hand nuts) and might even be a plus.
Another potential plus is that there are wrench flats on both ends inboard of the threads.
Why use AN703 tie rods instead of 4130 round stock threaded on both ends? One would be a weight savings since the wires are drawn during the fabrication process. Aeroplane Works claims a 30% savings.
I'd like to get $250 for the set which consists of 12ea @ 44", 6ea @ 38" and 3ea @ 34". Feel free to make me an offer.
