Hi everyone,

I know that there have been various threads that have discussed this conversion, but I'm not finding what I'm looking for. So, does anyone know of a person or shop that has experience doing this conversion?

I've spoken to Todd Hitchcock out of Hitchcock Aviation in Idaho and he referred me to a Doug with Dew Aircraft in McCall, but his phone number and email seem to not be working.

I'm interested in doing this and want to find someone that has done it before.

Thanks,

GSP

Log book entry by AP.

Trent in Green River is your C205 guru. Maybe he will show up here soon and respond. His 205 has the bigger nose fork...I believe it is only a logbook entry on that airframe but he would know for sure. He uses his 205 like a cub.

I have a good friend who has a 182, he put a big nose fork on and had it done by the shop at McCall behind Lori's place I believe. That IA did a field approval and had several planes either 2 or 3 done at the same time. I got the impression that the FAA was not approving too many more??? If you want the details email me and I will hook you up with my friend.

John

Bigger nose fork on 205 was a option so just a log book entry is required at least a A&P can do this. You also need to ammend the equipment list and check and ammend the weight and balance. You'll need to remove front fork piston and take it to shop with heavy duty hydraulic press and press off old 5 inch yoke. Press on 310 (heavy fork ) on and use new hardware . This is a good time to do a strut seal kit. Overall not a bad improvement if you send me a direct email ( [email protected] ) I've got several pictures etc on heavy duty nose fork on C205 . I've done 1/2 dozen or so .

SixTwoLeemer wrote:Trent in Green River is your C205 guru. Maybe he will show up here soon and respond. His 205 has the bigger nose fork...I believe it is only a logbook entry on that airframe but he would know for sure. He uses his 205 like a cub.

Yep same parts. I actually have a fork kit i am planning on selling. I changed to the airglas landis and an 8.50 x6 nosewheel and 8.50x10 mains.

Thanks for the info guys. Yes, it is just a logbook entry since it was an option. I considered this option and the Landis. Have decided this is the way I want to go. I've flown one of both and liked the 310 setup.

I've been trying to contact Doug in McCall. I'll also try to contact Trent as well. I know the process is somewhat involved and want someone that has done a few to do mine. 182 STOL, I'll drop you an email.

Again, thanks for the info and responses. I'd really like to get this done this spring if I can swing it.

SE6601KF wrote:

SixTwoLeemer wrote:Trent in Green River is your C205 guru. Maybe he will show up here soon and respond. His 205 has the bigger nose fork...I believe it is only a logbook entry on that airframe but he would know for sure. He uses his 205 like a cub.

Yep same parts. I actually have a fork kit i am planning on selling. I changed to the airglas landis and an 8.50 x6 nosewheel and 8.50x10 mains.

What all is in the kit? I might be interested. Thanks!

SixTwoLeemer wrote:Trent in Green River is your C205 guru. Maybe he will show up here soon and respond. His 205 has the bigger nose fork...I believe it is only a logbook entry on that airframe but he would know for sure. He uses his 205 like a cub.

Any contact info for him? Thanks!

Grassstrippilot wrote:

SixTwoLeemer wrote:Trent in Green River is your C205 guru. Maybe he will show up here soon and respond. His 205 has the bigger nose fork...I believe it is only a logbook entry on that airframe but he would know for sure. He uses his 205 like a cub.

Any contact info for him? Thanks!

memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=3166

Thanks Zane. But I was looking for contact info on Trent. 62Leemer pm'd it to me.

Oops! Didn't realize it was one and the same person. Thanks man.

SE6601KF wrote:

SixTwoLeemer wrote:Trent in Green River is your C205 guru. Maybe he will show up here soon and respond. His 205 has the bigger nose fork...I believe it is only a logbook entry on that airframe but he would know for sure. He uses his 205 like a cub.

Yep same parts. I actually have a fork kit i am planning on selling. I changed to the airglas landis and an 8.50 x6 nosewheel and 8.50x10 mains.

Hey Trent,

So know anyone you'd recommend in this area (Utah) who has done these?

Thanks,

Cory

Grassstrippilot wrote:

SE6601KF wrote:

SixTwoLeemer wrote:Trent in Green River is your C205 guru. Maybe he will show up here soon and respond. His 205 has the bigger nose fork...I believe it is only a logbook entry on that airframe but he would know for sure. He uses his 205 like a cub.

Yep same parts. I actually have a fork kit i am planning on selling. I changed to the airglas landis and an 8.50 x6 nosewheel and 8.50x10 mains.

Hey Trent,

So know anyone you'd recommend in this area (Utah) who has done these?

Thanks,

Cory

Pretty straight forward. I will PM You.

Hey everyone,

Just an update on the project. Friday, after a 2.5 week wait to get the fork back, it arrived and at last I had all the parts to make the conversion happen! I met up with my mechanic yesterday morning and after a very busy day, it is done!! I'm really excited about it and can't wait until I get the chance to try it out. The sad thing is that I had to be on a plane only a few hours after finishing it and wasn't able to fly it before heading back to work. So, I'm really looking forward to Friday/Saturday later this week! I'm just glad to have it done in time for Caveman.

600x6 up front, 800x6 on the mains. Next...VGs, but I had better give the checkbook a little time to recuperate!

Nice!

Great looking 205 Cory...! be happy to see u guys @ JC again...JO

So, I got out on Friday and got the chance to fly it with the new gear for the first time. After a few taxi tests, I decided that all felt ok and went flying. The wheels feel good as far as balancing goes. Also, it is a little sluggish in taxiing and this was expected with the larger nose wheel and running them at lower pressure (mains at 25 psi and nose at 30 psi). Witness marks have been applied to detect any slipping on the mains. Anyone running with different pressures, please speak up.

The only surprise was on landing. The nose wheel was a little squirlley. It became stable as weight came down on it. I flew it again on Saturday and it was ok on landing but I noticed it more on the takeoff roll. I believe I know the reason but wanted to see what you all thought. I took the left main which still has good tread and put it on the nose. It had worn at an angle while on the main left wheel. I think what is happening is when it gets light, the raised edge of the wheel is catching the asphalt and pulling it a little. Nothing drastic, but it was a small surprise and is annoying. Wish I would have just put on a new tire now. I want to get it off pavement and see how it feels. I think it won't be noticeable when off pavement. If anyone has thoughts on this, please share.

Otherwise I am happy. I felt like I was getting it dialed in but now I feel I need to go out and get used to the new configuration. A good excuse to go fly more I guess!

I would say yep. New nose tire.
Also if you haven't done it, service your shimmy dampener and make sure the linkage is still fairly tight.
You shouldnt have any problem with slippage at those pressures.

Thanks Trent. I'm guessing it is the tire and it will get replaced sooner than later.

One thing I forgot to mention: I noticed when I flew Saturday that right after takeoff I needed a little more rudder. I pushed on the right peddle and it took a lot of pressure to get any reaction. Later in cruise, all felt normal until just after the next takeoff. Then the same thing happened. I know that the needle pins were installed because I had been warned about them. So I can't see this being a centering issue. Any ideas?

Also, you might know. On my first flight, there sure seems to be a different harmonics to the plane. Nothing bad or unnerving. Everything flew normally in cruise. Talking to another 205 owner, we both agreed that we could see that with a bigger fork and wheels being dragged through the air. Anyone ever experience a different sound/feel after such a mod? I would imagine it is pretty normal, but being my first, I thought I would ask.

What pressures do you run/recommend? What does reduced pressure do to your takeoff run? I'd think it would lengthen it a bit. Question is, is the amount inconsequential?