Finally got around to installing the Desser 31s on the Skywagon... it wasn't exactly a cake walk. Check it out:

Easy way to check toe in/out is to use a laser pointer against a wall.

MTV

mtv wrote:Easy way to check toe in/out is to use a laser pointer against a wall.

MTV

Interesting. the way you do it with a Stearman is to run string lines down the center line of the airplane, then string lines from the center of each tire. That seems to work well. From my experience grease plates are only so..so...

gunny

Gunny wrote:

mtv wrote:Easy way to check toe in/out is to use a laser pointer against a wall.

MTV

Interesting. the way you do it with a Stearman is to run string lines down the center line of the airplane, then string lines from the center of each tire. That seems to work well. From my experience grease plates are only so..so...

gunny

I wouldn't try to set alignment without grease plates. It's really the only way to prevent friction from entering the equation.

It can be done without them, but it's hit and miss. If you're lucky, it'll be a hit.

In my experience, everyone hates grease plates. They're messy, and a PITA to clean up. But, they're the one sure way to get the gear where you want it.

But, if you got it done to your satisfaction, good on you.

MTV

Beautiful plane, entertaining and informative video. Man, your ass was glued to that chair, almost expected your buddy to roll up in a matching one.

mtv wrote:...I wouldn't try to set alignment without grease plates. It's really the only way to prevent friction from entering the equation.
It can be done without them, but it's hit and miss. If you're lucky, it'll be a hit.
In my experience, everyone hates grease plates. They're messy, and a PITA to clean up. But, they're the one sure way to get the gear where you want it....

I've heard of using a plastic garbage bag instead of greased plates,
the two layers of plastic slip'n'slide pretty good.
Maybe not quite as good as greased plates,
but easier to deal with.

I used glass beads between the plates. Cleans up well. If you have ever stepped on glass beads on a concrete floor you will know what I mean.

I used this method to set the toe. Works great. Used the grove shims.

http://www.groveaircraft.com/accessories.html

hotrod180 wrote:

mtv wrote:...I wouldn't try to set alignment without grease plates. It's really the only way to prevent friction from entering the equation.
It can be done without them, but it's hit and miss. If you're lucky, it'll be a hit.
In my experience, everyone hates grease plates. They're messy, and a PITA to clean up. But, they're the one sure way to get the gear where you want it....

I've heard of using a plastic garbage bag instead of greased plates,
the two layers of plastic slip'n'slide pretty good.
Maybe not quite as good as greased plates,
but easier to deal with.

I have plates inside an aviall parts bag. They stay greased and the grease stays in the bag. Very easy to use, easy to clean up, not messy. Works great for me.

hotrod180 wrote:

mtv wrote:...I wouldn't try to set alignment without grease plates. It's really the only way to prevent friction from entering the equation.
It can be done without them, but it's hit and miss. If you're lucky, it'll be a hit.
In my experience, everyone hates grease plates. They're messy, and a PITA to clean up. But, they're the one sure way to get the gear where you want it....

I've heard of using a plastic garbage bag instead of greased plates,
the two layers of plastic slip'n'slide pretty good.
Maybe not quite as good as greased plates,
but easier to deal with.

Spray some PAM cooking oil spray inside between the 2 sheets of plastic. Makes it slick.

Kurt

looking forward to hearing how well they wear on the asphalt - also have you done any before and after on loss of speed?

I did a speed test and I lost 8 mph (there is another video about Speed Performance as well as one about testing the WingX).

gunny

Cool thread - thanks for sharing!

Looks great Gunny!

I have found that an engine hoist works great in situations where you don't have enough jack to do the job. I got myself into a particularly nasty patch of goat head thorns a while back, and had the forethought to block my axles when I put the airplane away after landing with one tire going flat. I showed up to the hangar in the morning to find both tires flat with the lower gear sitting on the blocks. Thought I was pretty clever until I realized there was no place to put the jack. The engine hoist worked great.

Haha, good thinking on the blocks! And you gotta do what you gotta do! What I didn't say in the video is that I tried using an airbag from the 4 Wheel Drive world (that I keep for folks that land gear up on the field). Now that would have been funny... it was a wobbler... not fun.

gunny

Any reason not to use the floor jack from the get-go in place of the bottle jack?

CFOT wrote:Looks great Gunny!

I have found that an engine hoist works great in situations where you don't have enough jack to do the job. I got myself into a particularly nasty patch of goat head thorns a while back, and had the forethought to block my axles when I put the airplane away after landing with one tire going flat. I showed up to the hangar in the morning to find both tires flat with the lower gear sitting on the blocks. Thought I was pretty clever until I realized there was no place to put the jack. The engine hoist worked great.

I use an engine hoist and a webbing strap wrapped around the gear. Feels way more secure. Just don't get excited to put the wheels back on when you have just painted the gear legs and the clear coat is still soft. Guess how I now know this.

daedaluscan wrote:…..Just don't get excited to put the wheels back on when you have just painted the gear legs and the clear coat is still soft. Guess how I now know this.

I found this out the same way you did.

asa wrote:Any reason not to use the floor jack from the get-go in place of the bottle jack?

Asa-

Simply a matter of stroke. Remember I needed 17.5"

gunny

daedaluscan wrote:
I use an engine hoist and a webbing strap wrapped around the gear.

Same.
Use it to switch back and forth from 29’s to 8.50’s. Never a problem and seems less likely to topple.