U Bolt replacement

I have tried to contemplate this issue of cutting a hole for the installation of these bolts wile I’m recovering. The original fabric had holes cut in it with no reinforcement. Hope this helps.
 

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I do not remember cutting holes. I used a Snap-On torque wrench, and as I recall, everything fit. Been four years . . .
 
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is this what you’re talking about? it would have helped but you would have to do some math to get the torque wrench setting correct.

would you mind posting a photo from the front showing what a set of healthy gear are supposed to look like? Thanks and good job!
 
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Bartman said:
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is this what you’re talking about? it would have helped but you would have to do some math to get the torque wrench setting correct.

would you mind posting a photo from the front showing what a set of healthy gear are supposed to look like? Thanks and good job!
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Yes, that exactly. Use that on the nut, and a stubby hex bit in a box wrench on the bolt head.

I finished tonight at about 10 pm. Will go back tomorrow and take some pics to post. Then test flight!
 
Got it back in the air today. Landing and ground handling seems improved. Hard to tell for sure, since my 5 landings today were all on grass, while my previous landings were on pavement.

Top picture is BEFORE. Bottom is AFTER. Most notable difference is camber on right tire (pilots right). Before, it was 3 degrees negative, eg top of tire canted inwards towards aircraft. After, it is several degrees positive. Also, the wings were not level before. Now they are.
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Here is a before and after on the bolts. Note in the middle picture that the bolt head conflicts with the brake lines. Solved that with some minor bending and rerouting.
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Bruce said:
I have tried to contemplate this issue of cutting a hole for the installation of these bolts wile I’m recovering. The original fabric had holes cut in it with no reinforcement. Hope this helps.
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I like that ... where did you get the small rings? That could be added in advance of a bolt pull in order to facilitate the post-cut fabric repair.
 
My belly fabric is tore up from years of on/off floats. I think this next time I'm going to make a 2" ish ring out of .016 alum. and fabric that on, make a slightly larger alum cover and screw it on when done. Much like the wing inspection rings.... just smaller
 
The parts manual for my 70's Super D actually shows a washer and patch at that location.

That would make the repair quick and easy. Strip dope to the edge of the washer, cut an X in the center, and remove/install bolts. After done, cut a circular patch of same diameter as washer, glue to the washer, stretch the center, and re-dope. Neat and quick. Love it.

One thing I will say about ceconite and dope: it sure is easy to repair. Damn near idiot proof. Especially with the new and improved Super Seam Cement. That stuff is strong!
 
Hey I’ve got a question for you guys if you have time. I’m ordering parts to replace my old U-bolts with the bar style from univair and was wondering if the bolts are long enough to add ski tabs (1/8” thick from Atlee)? Also is the univair kit the same as what you’d get at ACA? I figured I’d order from univair because they already have that bolt kit with everything you need ready to go.

Thanks for your help!
John

Here’s some pictures of the bird. 73’ GCBC
 

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Citabrialaska said:
Hey I’ve got a question for you guys if you have time. I’m ordering parts to replace my old U-bolts with the bar style from univair and was wondering if the bolts are long enough to add ski tabs (1/8” thick from Atlee)? Also is the univair kit the same as what you’d get at ACA? I figured I’d order from univair because they already have that bolt kit with everything you need ready to go.

Thanks for your help!
John

Here’s some pictures of the bird. 73’ GCBC
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An eighth of an inch is a lot, maybe call Atlee and ask what they've seen in their experience with the parts? I'm not sure about the gear parts kits but I'd compare prices with the factory, they're usually very reasonable and it's good to support them when you can, IMHO.
 
This was a long time ago - I needed some high strength NAS bolts. $128 each from ACA; $32 each from Genuine in Paso Robles.
 
its been a long time but pretty sure my 7eca had a univair kit and i just removed the washer. you will have to bevel the ski tab to accept the NAS bolt. I'm at wolf lake if you need a hand.
 
Bruce said:
I have tried to contemplate this issue of cutting a hole for the installation of these bolts wile I’m recovering. The original fabric had holes cut in it with no reinforcement. Hope this helps.
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I do not cover the holes hav been open for years, I don't see a problem.
 
Same with the outer bolts. Hideously expensive. I got all six from Genuine, along with washers and nuts. Saved over $300.
 
Hey All, new owner of a 1999 GCAA with about 1500 TT and I'm thinking about switching to the new style flat bar gear attach hardware to replace the U bolt. How difficult are these to change? How to you get at the nuts? Do you have to remove the floor?
 
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