Next, reassemble the strut and install it in the retract. Note that you will need to use one of the steel 'inserts' (for adapting the strut to a wire-type retract strut mount) that comes with the Robostrut as a spring spacer.

Retract the strut as much as possible and mark on the wing surface where you need to cut for scissors clearance and carefully use a razor saw to make the cutout. You'll just touch the end of the 1/4" plywood vertical retract mount, so again be patient as you cut downwards. I used a Dremel with a conical steel cutting bit to clean up the bottom of the cut, as it is tough to get a saw in at the angle necessary.

I plan to use some 1/16" balsa to enclose the cutout, just ran out of time to do this tonight. Also, the wheel well molding is not glued in very well, it will pull loose as soon as you put some pressure on it. No big deal, just use some thick CA to glue it back in place. The bottom of the cutout is 7/8" from the wing surface - carefully use an X-Acto knife with a #11 blade to score the thin fiberglass and bend it to remove.

If you use the Robart #530RS main retract units, you'll need to do some cutting and grinding on the mount to clear the screws on the side of the retract unit, as well as cutting/grinding some clearance slots and grooves for the air nipple on the side of the retract unit on the ply retract mount ribs. Do this before you modify the struts. Make it larger than the nipple or you'll nick the air line on installation...makes a nice "hisssss" after you get everything bolted down to test for leaks. []

Here's the finished install, using Tam's suggested Intairco 2 5/8" wheels and brakes.

Can't wait to fly it - maybe next weekend, if the rain clears. Have fun!