Original Posted By: "Rick Holland"
Pietenpol-List: The streamline strut tube end smash
Re: Pietenpol-List: The streamline strut tube end smash
Original Posted By: Rcaprd(at)aol.com
Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: The streamline strut tube end smashIn a message dated 10/13/2006 1:49:07 PM Central Standard Time, at7000ft(at)gmail.com writes:If you do not smash the ends should washers be added inside the struts to keep it from sliding up and down? Don't smash the ends. The plans show on the inside of the STEEL lift struts, make the 'Lollypop Fittings' that terminate the upper ends of the Lift Struts. (Doug Bryant gave them that name) Then BRAZE a washer to the outside,but keep the I.D. of the washer small enough for a final ream to the size of the bolt. If you use these plans type 'Lollypop Fittings', there is No need to make adjustable lift struts. They are easy enough to make another one with slightly different length, in the event that the Incidence didn't come out justright.On my Tailwind, there is several places that leave them original diameter, and drill the ends to accept a .058" wall bushing to be welded in, with the I.D.of the diameter bolt needed.Chuck G.NX770CG________________________________________________________________________________
Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: The streamline strut tube end smashIn a message dated 10/13/2006 1:49:07 PM Central Standard Time, at7000ft(at)gmail.com writes:If you do not smash the ends should washers be added inside the struts to keep it from sliding up and down? Don't smash the ends. The plans show on the inside of the STEEL lift struts, make the 'Lollypop Fittings' that terminate the upper ends of the Lift Struts. (Doug Bryant gave them that name) Then BRAZE a washer to the outside,but keep the I.D. of the washer small enough for a final ream to the size of the bolt. If you use these plans type 'Lollypop Fittings', there is No need to make adjustable lift struts. They are easy enough to make another one with slightly different length, in the event that the Incidence didn't come out justright.On my Tailwind, there is several places that leave them original diameter, and drill the ends to accept a .058" wall bushing to be welded in, with the I.D.of the diameter bolt needed.Chuck G.NX770CG________________________________________________________________________________
Re: Pietenpol-List: The streamline strut tube end smash
Original Posted By: Clif Dawson
Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: The streamline strut tube end smashIn a message dated 10/14/2006 1:52:24 PM Central Standard Time, at7000ft(at)gmail.com writes:When making these 'popsicle fittings' is it necessary to heat up the .090 metal strap with a torch before bending around the small tube?Yes. It took me a couple of times to get it right. Bend the .090" strap as far as you can over a piece of 3/8" solid rod of some kind, like a punch or something, before you even start the welding. I could get it way past a 90=BA bend, before I began the weld process. It is kind of difficult to keep the 3/8" radius, because it always wants to bend in half, as opposed to keeping the radius. Then weld it first at the top of the fitting, and heat it to dull red, as you bend it down around the rest of the 3/8" tube. after complete, you'll have to ream the bushing for a 5/16" bolt. It's a good idea when you are cutting material for these fittings, to cut one or two extra 'Lollypop Fittings', but leave the lower hole blank. You don't have to bend it up and complete the fittings, but at least you'll have the material ready to make another one, if the incidence doesn't come out right.Chuck G.NX770CG________________________________________________________________________________Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2006 23:27:05 -0700
Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: The streamline strut tube end smashIn a message dated 10/14/2006 1:52:24 PM Central Standard Time, at7000ft(at)gmail.com writes:When making these 'popsicle fittings' is it necessary to heat up the .090 metal strap with a torch before bending around the small tube?Yes. It took me a couple of times to get it right. Bend the .090" strap as far as you can over a piece of 3/8" solid rod of some kind, like a punch or something, before you even start the welding. I could get it way past a 90=BA bend, before I began the weld process. It is kind of difficult to keep the 3/8" radius, because it always wants to bend in half, as opposed to keeping the radius. Then weld it first at the top of the fitting, and heat it to dull red, as you bend it down around the rest of the 3/8" tube. after complete, you'll have to ream the bushing for a 5/16" bolt. It's a good idea when you are cutting material for these fittings, to cut one or two extra 'Lollypop Fittings', but leave the lower hole blank. You don't have to bend it up and complete the fittings, but at least you'll have the material ready to make another one, if the incidence doesn't come out right.Chuck G.NX770CG________________________________________________________________________________Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2006 23:27:05 -0700