Citabria Any composite options for a tailspring?

[kubark42]

I have a 7ECA and my tail spring either needs to be re-arched or replaced. If I'm going to replace it, it would be neat to go composite. That would save some weight in the tail, helping move an-already-aft CG forward.

Anyone ever heard of something like this in a Citabria or similar plane?

 

[Bartman]

Not that I know of. Just ordered a new spring set for my 7ECA, same reason.

 

[kubark42]

Drat. but that's what I expected to hear. Did you order a Univair set?

Seems like re-arching them correctly is a costly affair: https://www.hagerty.com/media/maintenance-and-tech/re-arching-leaf-springs-a-lost-art/

 

[Bartman]

No sir, I sent an email to Chad at ACA's parts desk. Need it for next week so I'm hoping he gets it out soon.

 

[Sully]

Did you get the 1.75 inch springs and adapter?

 

[Bob Turner]

We just put them in a giant hydraulic press. That's what the local truck spring outfit did. I was appalled - no heat treating.

I make little aluminum wedges to get the angle perfect.

 

[Bartman]

I heard back from Chad, ACA doesn't make the more narrow spring anymore and there are a couple of small changes that need to be made for the wider spring. Will have to look into what Univair and Aircraft Spruce sell but the price is similar for the spring set.

 

[Bartman]

Not being home to measure my tailwheel spring's dimensions and such, I can't say this is the right part but maybe?

Steel Tailwheel Leaf Springs | Aircraft Spruce ®

Steel Tailwheel Leaf Springs FAA/PMA approved for a PA-17 however NOT approved for a PA-15.

www.aircraftspruce.com

06-14400 for the Aeronca 7AC, no?

 

[Bartman]

Univair emailed me back, their spring set is the wider 1 3/4 spring.

 

[volvo164]

Didn't realize they changed size along the way - I'll have to go back to the hangar to measure mine. Strange, it's been replaced not too long ago - but it is showing corrosion, and slowly but surely it got worse over the last year and 1/2 I've owned the plane. Anyone have experience with Wag Aero's spring set? They don't specify size, so I'll have to call them.

 

[Bob Turner]

Corrosion isn't usually a problem on leaf springs - check out a few auto rear axles on older cars and trucks.

Clean them up and eithr spray them black or smear grease on them.

 

[volvo164]

Corrosion isn't usually a problem on leaf springs - check out a few auto rear axles on older cars and trucks.

Clean them up and eithr spray them black or smear grease on them.

The corrosion isn't the issue, the sagging is - checked and the springs are 12 years old with 550 hours on them - to me that doesn't seem much. Mine are 1.75" - is there a difference in quality between ACA and Univair springs?

 

[Sully]

My experience with Univair springs is not very good.
They deformed in less than a year.