Step 6: Tail wheel mount (TWM)

A new longer TWM was fabricated because the Sullivan TW is longer than the SIG hardware. Scrap 1/8” lite ply from kit waste was used. The Sullivan unit uses 4-40 bolts with blind nuts rather than machine screws.

Building Notes: I marked the TWM mounting hole locations by aligning the pivot point of the TW assembly with the trailing edge of the TWM. 1/8” pilot holes were drilled. The pilot hole locations were transferred to the FBR. The TWM guide holes were expanded to 9/16” to accept 4-40 blind nuts. The FBR holes were expanded to 7/16”. The blind nuts were glued to the TWM with 30 minute epoxy. I used the SIG 4-40 bolts and a hammer to seat the blind nuts. The TWM was glued to the FBR with 30 minute epoxy. Before clamping I inserted the SIG 4-40 bolts thru the FBR and into the blind nuts to ensure correct alignment when clamped. After clamping the bolts were removed. When dry I will run a 4-40 tap through each blind nut to ensure that there is no epoxy buildup.

TTFN