National Aeronca Association Bulletin Board

My '39 Chief has a tailwheel plaque that says it's a "3000" but the axel is worn, one bearing is missing a ball and has been spinning. The 6X2 hard rubber wheel looks OK but I can't find replacement bearings for it and there are no numbers on the ones installed. I ordered bearings for a "2000" before I discovered the ""3000" plaque and they would fit the wheel but the axel hole was too large (73 bucks apiece! I sent them back...). With needing a new axel (which I haven't found yet) and new bearings, I wonder if anyone has paperwork for conversion to a modern tail wheel? I'd like to upgrade it to an 8" as I did my Cub but can find no STC for it. Clyde

Clyde,
I use an Aviation Products tail wheel. Great wheel and priced right, about $250 direct from them. I use the dual fork 6" model. Tail wheels are not regulated per CAR 4 regulations so, log entry.
I don't know any thing about the 8" tail wheel, perhaps someone that does more off field will have some information on them.
Paul

I too use the API tailwheel and has performed very well. A great product for a great price.

Del
1946 7AC
N84029

Sounds like a good solution to my problem and certainly is cheaper! Thanks Paul and Del. Much appreciated. Clyde

I installed a API tailwheel, having the original small Scott tailwheel (non castering) and did not change the tail spring. The A & P greased it up good - which may be a slight problem. (Grease might cause the tailwheel to not lock up) Basically, from the get go, the CPI tailwheel does not have a near vertical alignment when mounted up to the original tail spring. When trying to taxi, the
API tailwheel unlocks and will not stay locked, causing the plane to go in continuous clockwise or counterclockwise circles. It will not stay in the "locked" position. A&P says that a new tail spring with a different bend which would cause the API Wheel to have a more vertical alignment and hit the ground closer to the vertical centerline of the wheel axis would make it work better.

The plane is a 41 Super Chief and if anyone has had similar problems or knows of a better tail spring to use with this wheel, I would like to know about it. Presently, I put the old Scott Wheel back on and lift the tail to move the plane - as I used to before trying the API.

David Ring
East Hardwick, Vermont

either rearc your tailwheel spring, buy a new one, or sell your API tailwheel to me. I will trade you a good used maule that works great. had several Scotts., but gave them away, will not own a Scott. the API is a great tailwheel, but all tailwheels have to be setup correctly.

David,
If the A&P filled it with GP grease that is causing the failure to lock. Just a thin film coat of grease is needed, the thinner the better. I've used the API tail wheel for a long time and over greasing is the only problem I've had.
Paul

Thank you Paul. I suspected as much when the annual was done and the A&P said he greased the tailwheel. I will check this out, and appreciate the tip.

David - aka Skookum in Vermont