Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: "Douwe Blumberg"
Hey Dan,I've been wondering about the same thing. Like yours, my wheels "bow" in atouch (easier to see on large wheels). My bird is heavier than yours so I'msure it is worse on mine.I honestly don't know the answer, but it SEEMS to me that if that axle isoverstressed, the bowing would increase which would be a sign to takeaction. I could easily be wrong, but without a major "slam landing" I don'tsee the axle just giving way. So seems like we'd have warning, we just needto keep tabs on it??That being said, I think I'm going to modify my axle this winter withinternal diagonal bracing per my last post.Douwe________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: helspersew(at)aol.com
Wow, must have been totally out of it when I wrote that post yesterday. Iam not getting more "simple tape" from "Ace". I'm ordering more "dimple tapefrom ACS" (aircraft spruce).And, even that is wrong. "dimple tape" is not longer available (unless fromsign printers, I hear but have not researched it). One can buy "vortilatortape) from a number of sailplane suppliers and from Aircraft Spruce. Theysell enough to do a prop for $39. It looks like "zig zag" tape and worksthe same as dimple tape.I hear it works, but the jury is still out until I try it. With a C-90 upfront, anything I can do to save a little fuel is a good thing. I find Ican still climb (one person) at 2,000 rpm and I've really been enjoyingchugging around the countryside at 60kts. It's super quiet and is gettingme ready to fly formation with those Fords this July!!!Douwe________________________________________________________________________________Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: Emailing: piet fittings

Original Posted By: Jim Quinn
Jim,If you are very lucky, you won't have to remake these fittings three times like I did. There are many subtleties with the Jenny gear wood struts. Probably no two ever come out the same. My suggestion would be to go through the process of cutting/fitting the wood struts first, then make your fittings to fit what you have. The process outlined by Chris Tracy westcoastpiet.com is the way to go. I made mine and struggled mightily, before his information was available.Dan HelsperPuryear, TN-----Original Message-----