Search found 130 matches
- Wed Dec 21, 2022 11:17 am
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: stewart system
- Replies: 4
- Views: 633
Re: stewart system
Larry, I'll second everything Jeffrey says about the Stewart System. I've used both Polyfiber and Stewarts. I much prefer Stewarts as it is more forgiving when fixing mistakes and has no noxious fumes. I'd recommend buying an infrared thermometer (approx $30 at big box homestores) to routinely check...
- Tue Nov 22, 2022 3:24 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Elevator bellcrank cable connection
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1048
Re: Elevator bellcrank cable connection
John, I haven't found a picture of my elevator bell-crank assembly. Here's one taken of the rudder horn that might give a sense of the flexibility provided by using combinations of motorcycle connecting links. (Disregard the angle-finder. This was taken as a set of photos when I was dialing in the H...
- Sat Nov 19, 2022 1:00 am
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Elevator bellcrank cable connection
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1048
Re: Elevator bellcrank cable connection
John, I somehow managed to build my Piet without using a single AN115 cable shackle. I used pairs of #50 motorcycle connecting links throughout. They fit AN3 bolts perfectly and can be widened or narrowed by using however many washers you need. They are also much, much cheaper than certified thimble...
- Thu Nov 17, 2022 4:39 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: cockpit covers
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2525
Re: cockpit covers
Oscar, Yes, the front cover does seem to keep my feet and legs a bit warmer in flight. Also it appears that I pick up a mph or two in cruise speed when the front cover is in place based on a constant throttle setting of 2400 rpm. Note that I have positive locking stem-and-ball fasteners across the f...
- Thu Nov 10, 2022 10:48 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: cockpit covers
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2525
Re: cockpit covers
Here's a photo with the covers in place.
- Thu Nov 10, 2022 11:03 am
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: cockpit covers
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2525
Re: cockpit covers
I'm in luck. It turns out photos of the fasteners had been transfered to my computer. Meanwhile I'll look for some with the covers in place.
- Thu Nov 10, 2022 10:53 am
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: cockpit covers
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2525
Re: cockpit covers
Oscar, Richard, I made my covers using Sunbrella marine grade awning cloth. My seams aren't the prettiest, but they do just fine. On the forward pit, every other fastener is the a stem and ball type that requires positively pulling on the clip to put the fastener on or take it off, with snaps for th...
- Sun Aug 14, 2022 9:28 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Stewart Systems fabric
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1313
Re: Stewart Systems fabric
I used the light fabric throughout with Stewart covering system. Cheers, Ken
- Wed Aug 03, 2022 10:05 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Joining the fuselage
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1039
Re: Joining the fuselage
John, I added the ply sheets to the sides of my fuselage frames before joining the two sides together, and later regretted having done so. The ply sheets made it very difficult to access the floor of the fuselage to install the controls and front seat frame. Especially hard to reach was the area whe...
- Sun Jul 17, 2022 9:50 am
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Free Tail Feathers
- Replies: 1
- Views: 821
Re: Free Tail Feathers
Terry, those are beautiful. They'll look great on somebody's wall (or perhaps on a Piet). Cheers, Ken
- Tue Jun 14, 2022 6:03 pm
- Forum: Classified Ads
- Topic: Wanted: Corvair Prop
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1282
Re: Wanted: Corvair Prop
Jeffrey,
If you decide to go with a "store bought" prop, you might consider Culver Props. The props are affordable and the service is terrific. I'm fairly confident that Alayna builds props that work on Corvairs.
Cheers, Ken
If you decide to go with a "store bought" prop, you might consider Culver Props. The props are affordable and the service is terrific. I'm fairly confident that Alayna builds props that work on Corvairs.
Cheers, Ken
- Sun Jun 12, 2022 3:33 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Will this spring work for A frame tailwheel
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1866
Re: Will this spring work for A frame tailwheel
My tailwheel is the Lightweight Tail Wheel from Flyboy Accessories. It's a full pound lighter than the original tailwheel I had on my Piet. That might not sound like much but even a little weight saved on a long arm makes a measurable difference to the location of the CG. I'm using the Doug Bell Tai...
- Sat Jun 11, 2022 2:25 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Will this spring work for A frame tailwheel
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1866
Re: Will this spring work for A frame tailwheel
Here's what I bought from McMaster-Carr in July 2018. Picture attached. It's been working fine. I like the amount of give as I touch down. Spring-Tempered Steel Compression Spring (pn# 96485K141), 6" Overall Length, 1.938" OD, 1.438" ID, $11.45 Die-Spring Cage (pn# 1878K57), 2" L...
- Tue Jun 07, 2022 2:48 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: stabilizer turnbuckle
- Replies: 12
- Views: 5124
Re: stabilizer turnbuckle
Richard, Clever idea on the nicopressed hardwire. It may be just the perspective of the picture but it appears that the aileron control cable may be touching some of the fabric as it passes up into the wing. If the fabric is ceconite and the cable is touching it, over time the ceconite will eat away...
- Wed Mar 16, 2022 11:01 am
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: What size for steel sheet in landing gear?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1683
Re: What size for steel sheet in landing gear?
Kinda thought I recognized those turned wood 'streamline' blocks at the bungees ;o) Yes, that's a picture of the "Dream Catcher" gear that was originally built for Arlene Walsh and in your care for many years. I think about the history of that gear frequently. I'm happy to share anything ...
- Wed Mar 16, 2022 9:46 am
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: What size for steel sheet in landing gear?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1683
Re: What size for steel sheet in landing gear?
John, The picture is my landing gear assembly. I'll be happy to measure and post the dimensions of the insert. It may be a day or two before I can make it to the hangar. Feel free to send me a PM. We can set up a facetime phone call from the hangar to let you see any aspects of the gear that you wan...
- Sat Feb 26, 2022 9:24 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: center section bracket rust prevention
- Replies: 11
- Views: 5243
Re: center section bracket rust prevention
Erik, I don't know the answer to the question of whether spar varnish can be put on top of the two-party epoxy varnish. But it isn't necessary to do that. There's no problem with applying the Stewart system atop the two-part varnish. That will work just fine. The problem is only if you are using the...
- Sat Feb 19, 2022 10:11 pm
- Forum: Classified Ads
- Topic: Wanted Hubs for wire wheels
- Replies: 1
- Views: 1013
Re: Wanted Hubs for wire wheels
I have a pair of Bob Baslee hubs that I'd be willing to part with. They use a 1 1/4" axle. I suspect you'd be happier with a pair that are designed for 1 1/2" axle. But if you want these, pm me to let me know. I'm sure we can work something out. Cheers, Ken
- Wed Feb 02, 2022 11:19 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Elevator vs rudder control horn
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1402
Re: Elevator vs rudder control horn
I raised the bell crank 2 inches to avoid the Piet rub. That allows the elevator cables to clear the horizontal stabilizer. The tradeoff is that this requires that the cables running from the cockpit controls have to make a sharper bend to join the bell crank. I added a pulley for the cable that goe...
- Sun Jan 23, 2022 8:38 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Split gear fitting plans question
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1616
Re: Split gear fitting plans question
John, I spent a fair amount of time trying to figure out this exact same thing. My split gear was gifted to me (thank you Oscar) after my Jenny-style gear was destroyed in an off-field landing. The split gear did not have the straps at the time. I ended up butt-welding the 2" straps to the ends...
- Wed Dec 29, 2021 10:04 am
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Installing Bungee Cord/s
- Replies: 12
- Views: 5072
Re: Installing Bungee Cord/s
Bob,
That's great. Newer isn't always better.
Cheers, Ken
That's great. Newer isn't always better.
Cheers, Ken
- Thu Dec 09, 2021 10:25 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Installing Bungee Cord/s
- Replies: 12
- Views: 5072
Re: Installing Bungee Cord/s
John, I located the remaining portion of the 5/8" shock cord. It appears that I used slightly more than 14' to test a few prototypes and make the shock rings that are currently on my Piet. Now that I have examples of shock rings that work just fine, I'd be able to get by ordering about 8' of th...
- Wed Dec 08, 2021 4:55 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Installing Bungee Cord/s
- Replies: 12
- Views: 5072
Re: Installing Bungee Cord/s
John, Look very closely at the plans (i.e., before welding). You'll see that the attachment at the forward fuselage bracket for the telescoping legs is offset a bit on the left side to the right side (not the brackets themselves, but the doo dads to which the telescoping legs attach). That's what gi...
- Wed Dec 08, 2021 1:15 am
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Installing Bungee Cord/s
- Replies: 12
- Views: 5072
Re: Installing Bungee Cord/s
John, The spring in a can has become popular in recent years. I'm not sure why. It's heavy. It's nearly impossible to tune to get the right amount of tension (technically compression). And it seems like a great place for corrosion to develop without a good way to know. The original design by Mr. Pie...
- Mon Dec 06, 2021 9:53 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Installing Bungee Cord/s
- Replies: 12
- Views: 5072
Re: Installing Bungee Cord/s
Here's what I found when I checked the invoice for the shock cord that I bought when I installed the split axle gear on my Piet. The invoice from Aircraft Spruce shows "06-12600 TYPE I 5/8" SHOCK CORD." I bought 24 feet. I'm sure that was too much, but I tend to prefer to have a bit t...
- Sat Jun 05, 2021 4:19 pm
- Forum: Classified Ads
- Topic: Delete
- Replies: 2
- Views: 2002
Re: WTB Pietenpol Three Piece Wings
Alan, The wings are pretty straightforward to build. You'll need a bunch of ribs, a few components that comprise the internal structure of the wing panels, and a pair of spars for each wing. The hardest part these days is probably sourcing the wood for the spars. The most time consuming part is buil...
- Sat Apr 24, 2021 7:56 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Vertical Stab attachment bolt holes
- Replies: 9
- Views: 4657
Re: Vertical Stab attachment bolt holes
PoconoJohn, I've attached a photo of how I did mine. The vertical bolts are centered through the longerons. I made each bracket different lengths to sandwich the rudder with the desired offset. Actually I originally had a Corvair on my Piet, later swapping that out for a Continental O-200. When I di...
- Mon Apr 12, 2021 1:36 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: N34KP
- Replies: 27
- Views: 14910
Re: N34KP
Okay, Oscar, I can't resist. Why would you be getting a 3rd Covid jab?
Ken
Ken
- Sun Mar 28, 2021 11:28 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: status of current build
- Replies: 33
- Views: 12931
Re: status of current build
Congratulations!! It's a great feeling to be at the covering stage. Suddenly the light at the end of the tunnel seems much brighter.
Cheers, Ken
Cheers, Ken
- Sun Mar 21, 2021 12:20 am
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Piet Airfoil FC-10
- Replies: 18
- Views: 8147
Re: Piet Airfoil FC-10
Tom, thanks for posting this article. I'm looking forward to reading it with a piping cup of coffee. I love this sort of paper. Cheers, Ken
- Fri Feb 19, 2021 7:23 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Am I getting close?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 5075
Re: Am I getting close?
In my experience, building the basic structure consumes well under half the total time. Fabric covering, painting, welding up an engine mount, preparing an engine, installing all the firewall forward bits, fabricating cowlings and nosebowl, running wiring, making cables (and cables and cables), fabb...
- Wed Feb 10, 2021 6:31 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: center section bracket rust prevention
- Replies: 11
- Views: 5243
Re: center section bracket rust prevention
Sean, all of the fabric products are exactly the same whether using Stits Polyfiber or Stewarts. The difference is entirely in the various "wet" products. The sticker prices are roughly comparable between the two. Stewart has an edge in overall cost as none of the items is considered hazar...
- Tue Feb 09, 2021 11:00 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: center section bracket rust prevention
- Replies: 11
- Views: 5243
Re: center section bracket rust prevention
Sean, I used the Helmsman Spar Varnish, as well. The issue with varnish is not really which type will work. I suspect that any decent varnish will do the job of protecting the wood. The issue is what you will eventually use for your covering system. If you later opt to use the Stits Polyfiber sytem,...
- Tue Feb 09, 2021 12:17 am
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: center section bracket rust prevention
- Replies: 11
- Views: 5243
Re: center section bracket rust prevention
Yep, what Earl said. Varnish wood before placing metal fittings against it. Ken
- Sun Feb 07, 2021 10:40 am
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Fuel system sealant
- Replies: 5
- Views: 4119
Re: Fuel system sealant
Oscar,
I hear you about the pretzelling required to work under the front instrument panel. Still, I think I'll take my chances with a bit of country western. Egress by rap might lead to even worse damage than what I'm trying to fix.
Wish me luck, Ken
I hear you about the pretzelling required to work under the front instrument panel. Still, I think I'll take my chances with a bit of country western. Egress by rap might lead to even worse damage than what I'm trying to fix.
Wish me luck, Ken
- Fri Feb 05, 2021 11:40 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Fuel system sealant
- Replies: 5
- Views: 4119
Re: Fuel system sealant
Tom, Thanks for this information. It appears that over several years, the 100LL slowly dissolved enough of the EZ Turn to allow it to weep its way along the threads. Were it not for the blue dye in 100LL, I doubt I would ever know it was leaking. My source tells me that Loctite 565 should work just ...
- Fri Feb 05, 2021 8:02 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Fuel system sealant
- Replies: 5
- Views: 4119
Fuel system sealant
Folks, This is a pirep on fuel sealants. About 4 years ago, I had my fuel tank out and reinstalled it with EZ Turn Lubricant at each of the threaded joints. With winter temps, the Piet has been mostly sitting the past several months. As I began the condition inspection, I discovered slow weeping of ...
- Wed Jan 27, 2021 10:40 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: control stick travel
- Replies: 11
- Views: 6387
Re: control stick travel
My connecting rod is on the left, per plans. I've never noticed that I had less aileron turning left versus right. I will say that, at least in my Piet, aileron, not rudder, is the limiting factor in cross-wind landings. So maybe there is some slight difference that a better pilot than me might be a...
- Sat Jan 23, 2021 1:18 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: jury struts
- Replies: 6
- Views: 4292
Re: jury struts
I'm using streamlined aluminum for my jury struts. The aluminum was purchased, along with larger streamlined aluminum for the diagonal struts, from Carlson's. The jury struts are approx. 1 1/8" by 3/8". The horizontal spreader strut is round aluminum 0.5" dia x 0.060 wall thickness. C...
- Mon Jan 04, 2021 9:23 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Stewart Systems Question
- Replies: 5
- Views: 4143
Re: Stewart Systems Question
It has been several years since I covered my Piet, so my recollection of the steps is a bit fuzzy. What isn't fuzzy is how much I preferred the Stewart System compared to the Stits Polyfiber system. My recollection is that after fabric is glued to wood and tapes are glued over all places where addit...
- Tue Dec 22, 2020 12:29 am
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Last stitch on the first wing done
- Replies: 6
- Views: 4546
Re: Last stitch on the first wing done
The trick I learned was to punch the holes with a pencil. That leaves a darkened ring around the holes that is easy to see. When the tapes are applied, the pencil lead that surrounded each hole is no longer visible. Cheers, Ken
- Sat Dec 19, 2020 8:51 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Last stitch on the first wing done
- Replies: 6
- Views: 4546
Re: Last stitch on the first wing done
Looks great! I did exactly the same with a few intercostals in my wing panels to give the cross-brace cables clearance. Cheers, Ken
- Mon Dec 14, 2020 11:22 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Pietenpol Fleet Size
- Replies: 7
- Views: 5182
Re: Pietenpol Fleet Size
Oscar, smoke would alert the Hun to our position. Surprise is essential -- rule number one of Dicta Boelcke. As our French brothers on the Western Front might say, bonne chance, Ken
- Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:14 am
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Pietenpol Fleet Size
- Replies: 7
- Views: 5182
Re: Pietenpol Fleet Size
Oscar, it's all in the visualization. With Rick's Corvair and my O-200, we'll be cranking along at nearly .1 mach. We'll sweep down out of the eastern sky with the sun behind us, followed by a daring low level pass, maybe two or even three. It will be a sight to remember. For generations to come peo...
- Sat Dec 12, 2020 1:33 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Pietenpol Fleet Size
- Replies: 7
- Views: 5182
Re: Pietenpol Fleet Size
Interesting article, Rick. Thanks for posting.
I'm definitely going to head down your way in my Piet this spring, maybe in conjunction with one of the monthly pancake breakfasts at Kiowa. We should plan to meet up for a two ship mass arrival.
Cheers, Ken
I'm definitely going to head down your way in my Piet this spring, maybe in conjunction with one of the monthly pancake breakfasts at Kiowa. We should plan to meet up for a two ship mass arrival.
Cheers, Ken
- Wed Dec 09, 2020 1:02 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Strut Materials
- Replies: 10
- Views: 6376
Re: Strut Materials
I used streamlined 4130 steel for my cabane struts and Carlson's extruded aluminum struts for my diagonal struts. Were I to do it again, I'd use the extruded aluminum for both. The streamlined 4130 steel is quite expensive, but as it happened I already had some on hand. The aluminum is quite a bit l...
- Sun Nov 08, 2020 10:59 am
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: Brake master cylinder mountings
- Replies: 58
- Views: 24017
Re: Brake master cylinder mountings
Richard, restrictors might be prudent. You might wait, though, until you've had a chance to do some ground testing. Depending on the mechanical advantage (or lack thereof) of the pedal assembly, you may find that things are okay without adding additional bits to the braking system. Good luck with th...
- Thu Oct 29, 2020 10:19 am
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: compass location
- Replies: 7
- Views: 4544
Re: compass location
Oscar, I wondered where I got the idea to use the U-bolt. I owe you appropriate citation! As it happens, I've never used it. I have removable shoulder and lap harnesses, which I keep in the forward glove box. I rarely fly when the density altitude is below 6000'. Typically it is much higher than tha...
- Sat Oct 24, 2020 12:34 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: compass location
- Replies: 7
- Views: 4544
Re: compass location
Oscar, Agreed. I tried a bunch of places on the panel and never found a spot without significant impacts on the compass. Under the wing, it hasn't been a problem. I did move it forward an inch or three so that it would not be over the aileron cables. It is actually easier to read when set a little b...
- Fri Oct 23, 2020 7:50 pm
- Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
- Topic: compass location
- Replies: 7
- Views: 4544
Re: compass location
Oscar, here's another view of the compass and its box (pre-paint).
Note: I removed the center section tank as part of weight savings plan. I've never missed it, as the nose tank has greater duration than my backside does.
Cheers, Ken
Note: I removed the center section tank as part of weight savings plan. I've never missed it, as the nose tank has greater duration than my backside does.
Cheers, Ken