Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: owner-pietenpol-list-server(at)matronics.com
Gene,You and I seem to think a lot alike. I mounted my centersection a couple ofweeks ago and weighed the fuselage, tail and centersection as it was. Ithen calculated and estimated the weights of all the other components andfigured out that I will need my engine mount about 2" longer than plans andthe wing to shift aft of vertical by almost 3". Then I got to worryingabout the change in incidence of the wing as it moves aft. Since the rearstruts are shorter than the fornt ones, the angle must change as it moves.I worried a little bit and then decided to lay it out in AutoCAD on mycomputer. I found that with the inch difference in the struts, theincidence is NOT the 2 degrees claimed on the plans. It is 2.010 degrees(big deal). By shifting the wing aft 3" the angle of incidence changed from2.010 to 2.030 degrees. In order to keep it the same as before moving thewing, I will need to make my rear struts 0.010" longer than I have madethem.The above is just to put your mind at ease. There is no difference inincidence for all practical purposes. There is more than 0.010" slop aroundthe bolts - even with reamed bolt holes.Thanks for the kind words.Jack -----Original Message-----

Original Posted By: "Jeffrey Wilcox"
I think we have wasted enought time on Ray, let's move on, please. Ihave a question, it has always been my understanding that most everyoneis using the Cub rear struts for their Piet struts, rather than the Cubforward struts. Is this correct? I have two sets of each and have beenasked for the forward struts, but I want to make sure I am keeping thecorrect ones.Also, when any one of you has moved the wing aft for CG purposes, doesthe length of the cabane struts need to change, or does the wing moveaft and remain at the correct incidence (seems like it would, just wantto make sure before I go ahead and weld up my cabane struts.Jack Phillips has cleared up my confusion on the wooden landing gearthat I asked about earlier, and anyone who is contemplating a woodengear needs to hear his advice before building. You will save a lot ofhead scratching that we both went through.ThanksGene________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: "Gene Rambo"
GeneMost of the Piets out ther that I have seen flying use 4 of the rear struts.I have a set with the larger front pair and still havent decided to usethem. They are 3 pounds heavier than the rear I may take the front pair toSNF and try to trade or sell them.Dick----- Original Message -----

Original Posted By: Doc Mosher

Original Posted By: owner-pietenpol-list-server(at)matronics.com
Dick,As I told Gene Rambo, I think I want to use the front Cub struts on my Piet.I have a full set of Cub struts, and would be happy to trade a pair of rearstruts for a pair of front struts. If you are going to SNF will you bepassing through or close to Raleigh, NC?I have not run any stress analysis to see if the front struts are required,I just think they look a little better (not as spindly) as the rear struts.Of course, the front struts are more trouble - you've got to cut off andgrind smooth the fairlead attachments that Piper welded on them for theaileron cables. I agree that the front struts are definitely heavier, andprobably unjustified. I just think it looks better with all four struts thesame size.Jack -----Original Message-----

Original Posted By: "Jack Phillips"
JackI dont have any fittings welded on my front struts. I will have to checkthem. They may be from a PA-12. I could definetly make a detour if needed.If they are the same size as you need I'm willing. I will be going to thehangar tomorrow night and I'll get the dimensioons.Dick----- Original Message -----

Original Posted By: owner-pietenpol-list-server(at)matronics.com
Dick, the J-3 Front Struts I have measure 2.55" major axis and 1.20" minoraxis.Jack -----Original Message-----

Original Posted By: Larry Neal