Rudder Hinges

[mdwray]

Where can I source the cast aluminum rudder hinges "now used as standard equipment" listed on drawing 2 ?

[taildrags]

It depends on what you're looking for. One source out there can provide you with complete, finished, nicely executed pairs of hinges and for a Piet, you'll need 9 pairs (3 pairs on each elevator and 3 pairs on the rudder). If you're willing to work with as-cast blanks and perform the hand operations needed to smooth the faces, drill the mounting holes, and cross-drill the hinge pivot pin holes, I still sell the same cast aluminum hinges that Vi Kapler used to sell Piet builders before he got out of that business. I sell them for $36 for a set of nine pairs, and that price includes USPS mailing to domestic US addresses. Contact me at taildrags@hotmail.com if interested. I take Paypal, check, Venmo, or silver at the current spot rate (about $32/oz so call it one ounce).

Oscar Zuniga
Medford, OR

[Chuck in Indiana]

Wow! That's a bargain. Making them per the plans is really labor intensive.

[taildrags]

I am certainly not in it for the money. I'm in it for Pietenpol builders! However, I must say that people who supply the hinges in finished form do a beautiful job with the hinges that they sell. I also offer the oval Air Camper data plates that Brian Amato used to offer in aluminum (and may still offer, for that matter). Just some small things that Piet people have liked in the past.

-Oscar

[mdwray]

We did a more thorough inventory of the tail feathers and components we have inherited and found we do have 9 sets of finished hinges. Great to see a thriving supply chain for Pietenpol parts.