Installing floats question
05-16-2002, 04:10 AM
#1
Installing floats question
Jetranger is right. With Aluminum gear on a .40-size airplane, you're probably fine without spreader bars.
I would suggest that you just replace the axles with 10-24 (or 10-32) screws, and use a washer and a nylon-insert nut to hold the float on. You can get Stainless screws at most hardware stores.
If you notice the floats "Dancing" on takeoff, or find that the gear keeps getting knocked out of line, then add spreader bars. The easiest place to add these is just adjacent to where the landing gear leg attaches to the float mounting tab. 1/8" wire with wheel collars is pretty easy to install.
Remember that "spreader" bars are REALLY "Anti-spreader" bars, and they are really there only to take tension loads. If you are weight conscious, you can use much smaller wire than 1/8" if you want to invent a way to secure the ends positively.
I would suggest that you just replace the axles with 10-24 (or 10-32) screws, and use a washer and a nylon-insert nut to hold the float on. You can get Stainless screws at most hardware stores.
If you notice the floats "Dancing" on takeoff, or find that the gear keeps getting knocked out of line, then add spreader bars. The easiest place to add these is just adjacent to where the landing gear leg attaches to the float mounting tab. 1/8" wire with wheel collars is pretty easy to install.
Remember that "spreader" bars are REALLY "Anti-spreader" bars, and they are really there only to take tension loads. If you are weight conscious, you can use much smaller wire than 1/8" if you want to invent a way to secure the ends positively.
