Brodhead Pietenpol Association

Original Posted By: Michael D Cuy
Skip wrote->I will look into the Buick Regal arch springs the next time I get>to the auto recycle yard.From what understand, the Chevy Astro Van also has fiberglass leaf springs on the rear suspension. Not sure what years, but I believe it's the earlier ones. If you go snooping in the bone yard, see if they have an Astra Van and see if this is correct. Use extreme caution when handling these springs if you plan to cut them down or sand them to a different profile, as the glass fibers can really get you.Oscar ZunigaSan Antonio, TXmailto: taildrags(at)hotmail.comwebsite at http://www.flysquirrel.netHigh-speed Internet access as low as $29.95/month (depending on the local service providers in your area). Click here. https://broadband.msn.com________________________________________________________________________________Date: Wed, 01 Oct 2003 10:49:57 -0400

Original Posted By: "Ken Hannan"
Oscar,Thanks for the tip, I heard off line that many GM cars have fiberglasssprings, including the Astro van. I guess since we are talking about fibersnot vapors the paper mask would be the thing to use.Skip> Use extreme caution when handling these springs >if you plan to cut them down or sand them to a different profile, as the >glass fibers can really get you.>Oscar Zuniga________________________________________________________________________________

Original Posted By: "Michael D Cuy"
Michael, what diameter are the rims that you used on your spoke wheels ? Iam ready to send my hubs to Buchanan's.ThanksKen Hannan----- Original Message -----

Original Posted By: Michael D Cuy

Original Posted By: steven sadler
Subject: Re: Pietenpol-List: leaf springs

Original Posted By: "Cuy, Michael D. (GRC-RXD0)[Vantage Partners, LLC]"
Bob-I haven't kept up with the responses to your question so forgive me if this is repetitious info butI've had many good years flying with this setup. I started out with a single leaf but that was a lousy idea forseveral reasons. 1, the single leaf was far too flexible and it would slap and stretch the cables/springs againstthe belly plus put strain on the rudder bar I'd imagine and 2, if that single leaf breaks (which it did once) you'rein for a messy amount of damage.I believe that three springs would be too stiff so I settled on two. I got one leaf from ACS or Wicks then the otherleaf from a local friend from some old airplane. The curves of the springs didn't match so I went to UNCLE Tony'sbooks and guess what? He shows you how to bend the springs!Then I had to drill holes in those springs and guess what? I didn't have a clue how to properly do that but once again,Tony said to "drill leaf springs with a masonry bit and you will be surprised how easily it will go." Sure enough.Hope this helps!Michael CuyCleveland, OH[cid:image001.jpg(at)01CF1830.159273D0] [cid:image002.png(at)01CF1830.159273D0]________________________________________________________________________________