Search found 240 matches

by Richard Roller
Sun Nov 06, 2022 9:36 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: cockpit covers
Replies: 21
Views: 2333

Re: cockpit covers

I'd like to see some input on this subject also.
by Richard Roller
Wed Oct 19, 2022 8:16 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: which rib tape?
Replies: 5
Views: 819

Re: which rib tape?

All you OLD people! (Only 68!)
by Richard Roller
Mon Sep 26, 2022 10:53 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Is exterior of floor covered or painted
Replies: 8
Views: 1068

Re: Is exterior of floor covered or painted

34KP does not have a stringer running down the bottom. Flat plywood, fabric covered.
by Richard Roller
Thu Sep 22, 2022 2:08 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Is exterior of floor covered or painted
Replies: 8
Views: 1068

Re: Is exterior of floor covered or painted

N34KP is covered over the plywood on the bottom. For what it's worth, plywood covered wings are generally covered in fabric, for abrasion purposes.
by Richard Roller
Wed Aug 24, 2022 10:12 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Stewart Systems fabric
Replies: 3
Views: 1220

Re: Stewart Systems fabric

34KP has medium weight SuperFlite on it. Personally, I would hesitate to use light fabric.
by Richard Roller
Sat Jul 30, 2022 7:47 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Bolts for A frame TW?
Replies: 2
Views: 711

Re: Bolts for A frame TW?

When Ken Perkins built N34KP he used wood screws in the brackets in the holes going through the bottom of the longeron. Posting some pictures of the area taken during a recent repair.
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by Richard Roller
Thu Jul 28, 2022 8:51 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: N34KP's engine
Replies: 11
Views: 2105

Re: N34KP's engine

Well, the Ford ran great after I got the new ignition system figured out. Just prior to leaving for Brodhead it started shooting oil out of the seal on the prop end, so I ended up driving to Brodhead. When I returned I thought I'd try an experiment to see if I could stop the leak. My theory was the ...
by Richard Roller
Mon Jul 04, 2022 9:29 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: N34KP's engine
Replies: 11
Views: 2105

Re: N34KP's engine

As soon as my spark plug wires show up! If everything works out I may end up doing part of the break in on the way to Brodhead!
by Richard Roller
Sat Jul 02, 2022 10:34 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: N34KP's engine
Replies: 11
Views: 2105

Re: N34KP's engine

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by Richard Roller
Wed Jun 29, 2022 9:14 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: N34KP's engine
Replies: 11
Views: 2105

Re: N34KP's engine

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by Richard Roller
Thu Jun 23, 2022 5:29 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: N34KP's engine
Replies: 11
Views: 2105

Re: N34KP's engine

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Back on the mount.
by Richard Roller
Fri Jun 17, 2022 8:47 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: N34KP's engine
Replies: 11
Views: 2105

Re: N34KP's engine

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by Richard Roller
Thu Jun 16, 2022 6:57 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Rim for the 1.5" axle
Replies: 3
Views: 922

Re: Rim for the 1.5" axle

I bought mine from Matco. Mine are 1-1/4", because I was modifying my Piet to brakes. They have multiple 1-1/2" wheels and brakes.
by Richard Roller
Tue Jun 07, 2022 11:19 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: N34KP's engine
Replies: 11
Views: 2105

Re: N34KP's engine

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Pistons in, head on and initial round of torques completed.
by Richard Roller
Tue Jun 07, 2022 12:12 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: stabilizer turnbuckle
Replies: 12
Views: 4914

Re: stabilizer turnbuckle

Oscar. I did the same thing on my tail hook release.
by Richard Roller
Mon Jun 06, 2022 1:55 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: stabilizer turnbuckle
Replies: 12
Views: 4914

Re: stabilizer turnbuckle

34KP has 12 gauge wire on the tail braces and 11 gauge wire for the center section rack wires. The bends aren't that tight, they bend around the nicropress sleeves.
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by Richard Roller
Sun Jun 05, 2022 7:25 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: N34KP's engine
Replies: 11
Views: 2105

N34KP's engine

The engine for 34KP is going back together. Clearances on the crank bearings checked today. The crank is now installed and the caps torqued.
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by Richard Roller
Sun Jun 05, 2022 7:21 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: stabilizer turnbuckle
Replies: 12
Views: 4914

Re: stabilizer turnbuckle

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N34KP has tail brace wires of hard wire with nicropress sleeves and turnbuckles. I'll see if it can find a closer shot.
by Richard Roller
Mon Apr 18, 2022 12:59 pm
Forum: Classified Ads
Topic: Your help is needed
Replies: 3
Views: 1119

Re: Your help is needed

So true, Oscar. N34KP is still Ken Perkins Piet. I'm just the current caretaker.
by Richard Roller
Tue Apr 12, 2022 11:48 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: bench vise jaw protection
Replies: 4
Views: 1316

Re: bench vise jaw protection

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Magnetic attachment. Well used, as you can see.
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by Richard Roller
Wed Apr 06, 2022 10:40 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Center section tank straps
Replies: 9
Views: 1874

Re: Center section tank straps

Looks good Rob. How goes your Piet?
by Richard Roller
Sun Apr 03, 2022 6:41 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Tail wheel location
Replies: 2
Views: 1004

Re: Tail wheel location

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The forward brackets should be on the station. Just move it to the station and plug holes.
by Richard Roller
Wed Mar 30, 2022 10:58 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Center section tank straps
Replies: 9
Views: 1874

Re: Center section tank straps

One suggestion, if you haven't already built your tank. If I were building a tank I would put the filler on either the left or right side of the tank instead of the middle. When filling the tank as built it is difficult to see the fuel level as you fill. On N34KP this has resulted in numerous overfi...
by Richard Roller
Wed Mar 30, 2022 10:49 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Center section tank straps
Replies: 9
Views: 1874

Re: Center section tank straps

In the case of N34KP the tank is held in by the aluminum tank cover with a row of screws around the cover. There are wedges under the tank and felt strips on top of the tank for a snug fit in the center section, for no tank movement. IMG_20220124_124011.jpg IMG_20220123_133046.jpg IMG_20220124_12493...
by Richard Roller
Wed Mar 16, 2022 11:57 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: What size for steel sheet in landing gear?
Replies: 6
Views: 1591

Re: What size for steel sheet in landing gear?

On N34KP Ken heated the tubes and then squeezed them between aluminum blocks (with nice large radius) screwed to vise jaws. He told me there was a strip of wood set to the proper angle attached to the vise to eyeball the tube angle to. I don't know how many attempts it took. He squeezed the tubes an...
by Richard Roller
Thu Feb 24, 2022 8:42 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: metal parts
Replies: 6
Views: 2362

Re: metal parts

Solid Works is no longer available for free through the EAA.
by Richard Roller
Tue Feb 08, 2022 7:37 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: question gear axle
Replies: 12
Views: 2300

Re: question gear axle

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Do you get the newsletter? I wrote an article on converting N34KP to brakes. It's in the members section.
by Richard Roller
Wed Feb 02, 2022 8:44 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Elevator vs rudder control horn
Replies: 3
Views: 1303

Re: Elevator vs rudder control horn

Rubbing against the leading edge of the horizontal stab is a common occurrence. If you build to the plans it is going to happen. Several builders, including the builder of N34KP have raised the bellcrank behind the pilots seat up to gain cable clearance. It is a minor thing and in the case of N34KP ...
by Richard Roller
Wed Jan 19, 2022 10:45 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: model A engine options, opinions from model A experienced folks
Replies: 5
Views: 1708

Re: model A engine options, opinions from model A experienced folks

Ken Perkins built this Piet. He made the prop hub per the plans. The prop is an Ole Fahlin prop Ken ordered in the early 1980's. Ken made a few 6 bolt SAE 1 hubs that would fit the Model A crank, I think Dan Helspur's Piet might have one, but I'm not sure. I don't have one. I don't know if anyone is...
by Richard Roller
Mon Jan 17, 2022 1:24 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: model A engine options, opinions from model A experienced folks
Replies: 5
Views: 1708

Re: model A engine options, opinions from model A experienced folks

Paul. Most people fly with high compression aluminum heads. The Piet I fly has a model B cam in it. Previously it had a touring cam. I have a single mag drive off the crankshaft at the moment. There are several with duel mags, driving off the crank and the governor drive on the side of the engine (i...
by Richard Roller
Wed Sep 08, 2021 2:21 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Brazing Rods for 4130
Replies: 3
Views: 2035

Re: Brazing Rods for 4130

N34KP, the Piet I fly, was built by Ken Perkins and has been flying since 2000. Ken did not braze any of the parts. I believe he used ER70-s2 rod. So far, so good.
by Richard Roller
Thu Aug 12, 2021 12:55 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Ford A
Replies: 3
Views: 2160

Re: Ford A

There is a young man in the Czech Republic that is building a Piet using a different water cooled engine. You might want to take a look.

https://www.historicpropellers.com/pietenpol-aircamper
by Richard Roller
Tue Aug 10, 2021 12:01 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Ford A
Replies: 3
Views: 2160

Re: Ford A

by Richard Roller
Thu Jul 01, 2021 8:10 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Houston TX area builder/pilots
Replies: 4
Views: 2480

Re: Houston TX area builder/pilots

It get mighty hot and humid in that part of the world!
by Richard Roller
Thu Jun 24, 2021 12:31 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: About fuel tank design and CG.
Replies: 4
Views: 2982

Re: About fuel tank design and CG.

Piper. I've been reading the various posts you've put up on building your Pietenpol. You seem to be overthinking this process. Maybe a little more information would help us all. Are you attempting to build an ultra-lite version? What engine? How much horsepower? Fuel consumption. If an ultra-lite yo...
by Richard Roller
Mon Jun 21, 2021 9:57 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Brake master cylinder mountings
Replies: 58
Views: 23090

Re: Brake master cylinder mountings

I've put 2 hours on the new wheels and brakes, 7 touch and goes and landings. So far no problems. The a/c continues to track straight and to be docile on landing. I currently have 15lbs. of air pressure in the tires. Probably about right if I take a passenger up, but I have to ride the brakes a lot ...
by Richard Roller
Mon Jun 21, 2021 9:41 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Heel Brakes
Replies: 23
Views: 4636

Re: Heel Brakes

By the way Terry, good to see you back on the site.
by Richard Roller
Mon Jun 21, 2021 9:40 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Heel Brakes
Replies: 23
Views: 4636

Re: Heel Brakes

Dan. Are the red straps control stops?
by Richard Roller
Thu Jun 03, 2021 10:34 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Brake master cylinder mountings
Replies: 58
Views: 23090

Re: Brake master cylinder mountings

We've had a lot of rain. They finally got a chance to mow yesterday and today. Maybe they should bale it.
by Richard Roller
Thu Jun 03, 2021 5:49 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Brake master cylinder mountings
Replies: 58
Views: 23090

Re: Brake master cylinder mountings

N34KP flew again today! The new wheels and brakes worked well, they track straight. I did cut the grass while I was at it.
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by Richard Roller
Thu Jun 03, 2021 5:47 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Brake master cylinder mountings
Replies: 58
Views: 23090

Re: Brake master cylinder mountings

Yes there is a break in routine and they are getting better as I taxi.
by Richard Roller
Wed Jun 02, 2021 6:17 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Brake master cylinder mountings
Replies: 58
Views: 23090

Re: Brake master cylinder mountings

Taxied around today. They are not as strong as I would like. Hopefully they will be better when the pucks wear in. I rechecked the ratio of pedal length to master cylinder arm and it is correct. I really have to get into them to stop the Piet.
by Richard Roller
Mon May 31, 2021 4:41 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Brake master cylinder mountings
Replies: 58
Views: 23090

Re: Brake master cylinder mountings

Oscar. They are 6:00 x 6 tires. The new wheels are narrow and even though they say they will mount the 8:00 x 6 tires I couldn't get the wheel half's together without pinching the tubes. I ruined one tube trying. I had a hard enough time with the smaller 6:00 x 6 tubes.
by Richard Roller
Sat May 29, 2021 4:59 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Brake master cylinder mountings
Replies: 58
Views: 23090

Re: Brake master cylinder mountings

We have operational brakes! I haven't been able to taxi test yet, the propeller is still off, but I've bled the system and they are nice and firm with no leaks. So far no leaks, anyway!
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by Richard Roller
Tue May 25, 2021 8:34 am
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Brake master cylinder mountings
Replies: 58
Views: 23090

Re: Brake master cylinder mountings

The tubing I bought is from McMaster-Carr. It's nylon rated at 430 psi. The brakes are open, with no wheel pants. I intend to use the brakes only when taxiing on the ground, not for landing. I didn't move the wheel locations, fore and aft, they are to the plans. So I could probably put the old Piet ...
by Richard Roller
Mon May 24, 2021 6:03 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Brake master cylinder mountings
Replies: 58
Views: 23090

Re: Brake master cylinder mountings

Hey Oscar. How'd you like those fancy reservoirs? Just for grins I weighed the master cylinder assemblies. Everything including hardware (no fluid) is 1 lb. 2 oz. each side.
by Richard Roller
Sun May 23, 2021 5:30 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Brake master cylinder mountings
Replies: 58
Views: 23090

Re: Brake master cylinder mountings

Still plugging along.
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by Richard Roller
Thu May 13, 2021 3:04 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: Brake master cylinder mountings
Replies: 58
Views: 23090

Re: Brake master cylinder mountings

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N34KP is standing on two new main wheel and brake assemblies now. Master cylinders and plumbing next.
by Richard Roller
Fri May 07, 2021 7:23 pm
Forum: Pietenpol Builders Forum
Topic: status of current build
Replies: 33
Views: 12519

Re: status of current build

Nice!