1/4" Bolt for wheel pants (knuckle buster!) Really?

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captain_john
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1/4" Bolt for wheel pants (knuckle buster!) Really?

Post by captain_john »

Hey guys, if I read the plans correctly the 1/4" bolt on the axle nut is all that holds the wheel pant on from the outboard side(s).

That bolt is a WICKED KNUCKLEBUSTER to try and thread on when the flange is finally riveted onto the wheelpant.

What are you guys doing? Dealing with the inaccessibility of the bolt head or have you found a workaround?

:? CJ
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hydroguy2
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Post by hydroguy2 »

These come in handy for tasks like that.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp ... ir=catalog
Brian
Townsend, MT

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painless
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Post by painless »

Do you have an access hole cut in your wheel pant where that bolt is located? If I recall, the location should be noted on the plans. Make it big enough to get a socket head through there and you should be all set. Course, that's for an A model.......
Jeff Orear
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captain_john
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Post by captain_john »

Brian, yes... I do have a nice set of gear wrenches. They are just the ticket for things like this.

Doc, I just didn't want a hole in the outside of the 'pant. I was just hoping someone had a better idea.

I was thinking of cutting a slot in one side of the bracket but that would make it very weak. Not gonna do that. Looks like I will just STICK TO THE PLAN!!! Need to focus and GIT 'ER DONE!!!

:mrgreen: CJ
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painless
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Post by painless »

captain_john wrote: Looks like I will just STICK TO THE PLAN!!! Need to focus and GIT 'ER DONE!!!

:mrgreen: CJ

You're not a true homebuilder until you shed some blood in the process! 8)
Jeff Orear
RV6A N782P
Hatz Classic, Welding fuselage
Hatz build log. https://eaabuilderslog.org/?blproject&p ... GNCwv&sid=
Peshtigo, WI

Bob Barrett
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Post by Bob Barrett »

Painless is right you are not a true home builder until you shed some blood :roll: However I was able to buy a set o combination box & open end Craftsman gear wrenches for about $39.00. Since then they have been on sale for less of course. They come in handy in other places besides the wheel pant nut :)

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captain_john
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Post by captain_john »

Hahaha you guys are right!

When you get to be my age you can see the injuries happening BEFORE they happen.

I tell my students, "Watch closely now as I injure myself while doing xxx!"

:lol: CJ
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It's all over but the flying! 800+ hours in only 3 years!

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Wicked Stick
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Post by Wicked Stick »

John,

I ended up putting 4 platenuts on the bracket and countersunk screws in the wheel pants, so I don't have to remove the bracket from the axle.
I've seen the rivets over time loosen up in the fiberglass, so I opted to do it by countersunk screws instead.
Dave "WS" Rogers
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N173DR

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captain_john
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Post by captain_john »

Dave,

I was thinking the exact same thing!

I got other fish to fry tonight though. We are hanging the engine!!!

:) CJ
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Garmin G3X with VP-X & a TMX-IO-360 with G3i
It's all over but the flying! 800+ hours in only 3 years!

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