Aluminum gear

[volvo164]

i don't know if the flat bottom ACA wings save you any weight but the aymmetrical 8KCAB wings with the new ailerons save 30 pounds since they don't have all of the gap seal components needed for the original ailerons.

I see - that must be where the confusion is online - citabria vs. decathlon wings. That makes the decathlon wing swap really attractive, vs. swapping on a Citabria ...

 

[Superslam35]

I talked with ACA and aluminum legs and wings do not increase gross weight 1800 is what it is . I have both and that is what they told me because I was hoping it would go to 1900 but it does not

 

[darrell whitley]

hummmm my poh says #1800 so that’s what I go by.

 

[VMO/MMO]

I think you also only get the GW increase for a 180 HP 8KCAB, if you have 150HP no increase. Most likely because they only did the flight testing and performance for the 180HP which they sell new.
It would be nice if they would come out with a high compression swap and GW increase. ie 160HP and aluminum gear legs for GW increase.

 

[Bob Turner]

Yep. That would be a winner! The payload would be higher than the 180 version.

I think I told you - your 150 is faster than my 180, for less fuel burn. If it were 160, it would be down to 7 1/2 gph!

 

[Flightadvocat]

I just spoke with ACA. They said that the aluminum gear kit is now $9,600. Unfortunately supply chain issues linger since the pandemic so some 2 year old orders have yet to be delivered. They are not accepting any new orders for now, but expect the supply issues to be resolved in about 5 months.

 

[Bartman]

I just spoke with ACA. They said that the aluminum gear kit is now $9,600. Unfortunately supply chain issues linger since the pandemic so some 2 year old orders have yet to be delivered. They are not accepting any new orders for now, but expect the supply issues to be resolved in about 5 months.

thay have another supplier gearing up to make the gear legs

 

[FalcoF8l]

Just spoke with the factory. Price now, for the 8 kcab is $9500!! HS Batman! Due to the supplying vendor having issues there are many people who have paid and have been waiting over a year for their set. Those orders should be filled in about six months, and then they will take orders for the next group, which can take up to another six months. Yea gads!

 

[Bartman]

thanks for posting an update

 

[Bob Turner]

Well, I have an update for you.
I just saw, with my own eyes, eight sets of brand new Citabria/Decathlon gear legs ready to ship. Also saw at least three sets of Scout gear.
There is no shortage.

There was, during the worst of Covid. Our county went into lockdown, so nobody was in the shop.

And this is rumor - during that time, ACA did try - unsuccessfully - to get a new supplier on line.

Being in the lightplane manufacturing business is apparently a nightmare - engine production might be the biggest problem right now - but how many folks do we know who can drop a quarter mil on a Champ?

 

[Bartman]

I just saw, with my own eyes, eight sets of brand new Citabria/Decathlon gear legs ready to ship. Also saw at least three sets of Scout gear.
There is no shortage.

Where?

 

[Bob Turner]

At the manufacturer. Shown to me by the president.

 

[Bartman]

At Grove?

 

[Bob Turner]

Yes. I had to return a cylinder he lent me.
Did I tell you my Cub has the very first set of Grove disc brakes on it? I hold field approvals for conversion of Aeronca and Taylorcraft to Grove hydraulic, and multiple approvals for reservoir masters.
I have been working on Pietenpol heel brakes, and Robbie had lent me a “pull”-type master. Turns out his 95-1/2 masters work great in the Pete.

 

[Bill Youngs]

Does anyone know what if any modifications need to be done to the gear attach points on the fuselage In order to swap steel legs for aluminum?

 

[Sully]

Service Letter 422A

 

[Bob Turner]

Without looking, I remember it as a "bolt-on" conversion. The little "U" tube under the outer attach point needs to be extended downward, but all it does is hold fabric, so instead of welding on a covered airplane, I just bolted an extension on and stuck the fabric to it. Ten years and a lot of upside down flight later, all is well.

If you have speed fairings, they won't fit without extensive cutting and glass work. And if you have wheel pants, you need new sheet metal attach things. I remember making them - fairly easy task. The brake line goes up and over, for some reason. Make it long enough so you can change pads without undoing hydraulic fittings.

Those expensive bolts should go in easily. Be a bit careful when removing and re-installing the inner bolts.

You will really like the aluminum legs.

 

[volvo164]

I was having difficulty figuring out how you bolted the u extension on. Did you use a clamp? Or what did you bolt it through without drilling any frame members?

 

[Bill Youngs]

Bob,
Got any pictures of the extensions you made?
Thanks

 

[Bill Youngs]

I didn’t realize I had a sprung gear leg until we rolled it out to start for the first time since the 2 1/2 year restoration.
Talked with Ron (Rainbow) yesterday, his guy that does the reconditioning on steal legs is outta commission. Quite the “buzz kill”
If anyone knows of a serviceable left gear available it would be greatly appreciated.