oleos, are they still worth repairing?

Post-War Aeronca Champ airplanes
User avatar
7ACDriver
Posts: 97
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2009 15:53
Location: Alma, Quebec, Canada
Contact:

Post by 7ACDriver »

Actually, things went pretty well.
At first I was reading on the NAA forum about bronzing the stuffing box on the oleo housing but then I found part (U1-2253) AERONCA OLEO HOUSING $86.00 that had the stuffing box already welded on. All I had to do is insert the piston rod, attach the piston to the rod and get the bottom fitting welded on! Then I installed the spring with a press, blocked it off with the retainer and that was it.
:idea: Tip for the packing: let it soak in the hydraulic oil or fork oil (whatever your going to be using) for 24 hours, this way the packing will soak up the oil. :wink:
The bigest job is getting the oleo bushings [ U1-2565 ] out of the vees. I used a hand saw and a good source of lighting. the Trick is to cut the bushing all the way and then curl it on itself. Don't try pulling it out before it is cut all the way, this method leads to misery. Don't ask how I found that out...My vees were out of round, so I used a few muffler clamps to make it round again so I could insert the bushing. Before inserting the bushing, I had a machinist cut the inside of the bushing so that the inside diameter would fit very tightly the (U1-2253) OLEO HOUSING. Then I inserted the bushing in the vee and used a reamer for final ajustement (as per Nate's advice!).
It will be interesting to see how the Champ handles on the ground with these almost new gears :P :!: I did change all the bushings attachements for the gears, most of them were seized...And I did put anti seize grease on all bushings.
Senior hope this helps you out.
Image
Image
Image
Last edited by 7ACDriver on Wed May 27, 2009 07:08, edited 2 times in total.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Hugh Lalande 1946 Champ (6980) CF-VPL
User avatar
7ACDriver
Posts: 97
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2009 15:53
Location: Alma, Quebec, Canada
Contact:

Post by 7ACDriver »

Finally got everything put back together. I repainted all landing gear components, looks really sharp . I'm glad it's all done and now I know what I am landing with :P .

Here is a picture of my champ suspended, does the position of the wheels look about right?
Also when on the ground, the oleos stick out about 2 3/4 inches, is this alright?
Image
Image
Image
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Hugh Lalande 1946 Champ (6980) CF-VPL
User avatar
7ACDriver
Posts: 97
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2009 15:53
Location: Alma, Quebec, Canada
Contact:

Post by 7ACDriver »

Well, first flight this evening with my new oleos :D ! Pretty nice! The plane seems to hug the runway upon landing or maybe that's just me touching down at the proper speed :? :!: Also handles better on the take-off run.
This is certainly a job worth doing, the gear should be fine for the next 60 years :!:
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Hugh Lalande 1946 Champ (6980) CF-VPL
User avatar
joea
Site Admin
Posts: 5993
Joined: Thu Nov 11, 2004 13:01
Location: Phoenix Arizona
Contact:

Post by joea »

Very nice work and looks good!
User avatar
Mikek
Posts: 594
Joined: Sat Nov 13, 2004 21:13
Location: Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387 [3OH0]
Contact:

Post by Mikek »

Yes they real look great, how long were the new springs before you put them in?
Mike Knemeyer

1410 Meadow Lane
Yellow Springs,Ohio 45387

3oh0
N83348 7AC-2015
N82146 7AC-772
User avatar
7ACDriver
Posts: 97
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2009 15:53
Location: Alma, Quebec, Canada
Contact:

Post by 7ACDriver »

see my picture from this posting on Mon May 11, 2009 21:39

11''1/4
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Hugh Lalande 1946 Champ (6980) CF-VPL
Post Reply