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The forward L/G mount is a known weak point in the gear. After my last flight before taking the Skybolt apart for my winter beautification projects, I took a lot of pics so I'd be able to put it back together.
While viewing the pics I noticed damage to the fwd mount on the RH L/G. Not the typical damage that is already documented on the forum, but a busted bushing. Couldn't really see it well on the airplane because of the fairing. Looks like it's been like that for some time because the cracked out areas of the bushing was dirty with no new marks/damage on it. Missed it when I purchased the airplane, but easy fix.
The pic where I noticed the damage:
The split bushing:
The bolts:
Cutting the strap and welding in a new bushing was going to be serious work, so I welded a fitted .058 4130 tubing over the old bushings and installed gussets so this couldn't happen again. Welded both ends of the doubler and re-drilled the holes.
The repair:
Don't know if anyone has seen this type of damage, thought I'd document it for the benefit of the forum.
If I was building, I'd go ahead and strengthen this area with this repair and the L/G mount doubler on the fuselage.
I didn't have any damage to the L/G mounts on the fuselage by the way.
Hope this helps.
While viewing the pics I noticed damage to the fwd mount on the RH L/G. Not the typical damage that is already documented on the forum, but a busted bushing. Couldn't really see it well on the airplane because of the fairing. Looks like it's been like that for some time because the cracked out areas of the bushing was dirty with no new marks/damage on it. Missed it when I purchased the airplane, but easy fix.
The pic where I noticed the damage:
The split bushing:
The bolts:
Cutting the strap and welding in a new bushing was going to be serious work, so I welded a fitted .058 4130 tubing over the old bushings and installed gussets so this couldn't happen again. Welded both ends of the doubler and re-drilled the holes.
The repair:
Don't know if anyone has seen this type of damage, thought I'd document it for the benefit of the forum.
If I was building, I'd go ahead and strengthen this area with this repair and the L/G mount doubler on the fuselage.
I didn't have any damage to the L/G mounts on the fuselage by the way.
Hope this helps.
