----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
Hi everyone, Pete from Alaska here. There have been some sad stories about the ball end steering mechanism on this site in the past. Landing in a crosswind, or any landing in a Coupe without steering is bad news, Was there not an AD to change the infernal ball to a bolt style? Mine was changed before I took possession of it. I just had to go through the process of deciding whether to change to a 200 or stay with the C 85. Due to expense I opted for the C 85, the crank had already been ground to minus 20 so I went with the 0200 crank, which is around $2800. One of the issues with the 0200 is the modifications and parts needed other than the engine itself, the expense of the parts adds up fast, so do your homework and add up the costs. It may be worth it to you, it was not affordable for me. Good luck. From: Darwin Girdauckis <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: 'Coupetech' <[email protected]> Reply-To: Darwin Girdauckis <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [COUPERS-TECH] Steering Ball! Hi Guys! The steering ball on our coupe gave up the ghost tonight. I was taxiing out to run up, pulled the yoke both ways to check my aileron movement as I went & the ball broke off. Can someone give me the run down on what you guys do to put a bolt style rod end in? All most anything would be stronger than that ball. I was thinking that we could cut the rod shorter, then thread into it with a 7/16 fine thread & screw a regular rod end in. Darwin ---------------------------- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [email protected] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [COUPERS-TECH] Steering Ball! Darwin, The original steering ball is a weak link in the system. Univar sells the improved steering joint ball kit and it's FAA approved. The kit uses a rod end bearing instead of the original ball stud. The kit number is SK-57 and was costing around $90.00 a few years ago. I'm unsure if it includes the pushrod with the male thread stud. Installing this kit is relatively easy, the only hard part is that you must remove the floor boards to gain access to replace the steering pushrod. The kit uses the same steering collar on the nose strut, so no strut disassembly. I've installed this kit back in 1977 and it's still doing well in old '113. I no longer have to worry about doing the unexpected Ercoupe boogie! Walt Uebele 1946 Ercoupe 415-C N94113 ---------------------------- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [email protected] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [COUPERS-TECH] Replacing single fork with double fork nose gear. Richard, First and foremost congratulations! You own a unique aircraft that's carved it's own niche in aviation. A hearty welcome! If you can't find someone parting out an Ercoupe with a double fork NLG, either way be prepared to empty your wallet. Univar sells conversion kits for the double arm nose gear. It's been a few years but depending on what kit you want your looking at least $1,000.00 to $1,800.00 bucks! You can probably beat those prices on e-bay looking for a complete double fork strut. Try contacting Vernon Gregory at Precision Services Inc. He is parting out Ercoupes and might have what your looking for. He can be contacted at 1-800-796-2605 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] Plus include the labor cost of an A&P to perform the work, recalculate the weight and balance, and complete the 337 paperwork. Another thing to consider when converting to the double fork is that it will raise the nose thus lowering the tail height. That is a bad situation and will degrade the crosswind takeoff and landing characteristics of your aircraft substantially. If your bound and determined to convert there is an STC out there to shim the MLG struts to regain tail height and restore your aircraft to normal ground operational characteristics. Again include the additional cost of A&P labor and paperwork. The Ercoupe Owners Website has a link to that STC. I'm unsure of the cost of that kit. Richard, it's all on what your willing to live with. I really had no trouble with my single fork, single bearing 5.00 x 4 wheel. Only that after a few years one side of the tire tread would wear down before the other. Considering these costs, I was willing to put up with this and change out my nose tire when needed (somewhere between five to seven years wear life). In any case be diligent on your preflight and check your tire pressures. Ensure they are up to specifications. That simple check will extend tire life a great deal. Also choice of tire brand and tread design can make a big difference. Don't expect long life on a "bargain buy" tire. Again congratulations and welcome. Lot's of information can be obtained by visiting this site and becoming an Ercoupe Owners Club member. Walt Uebele 1946 Ercoupe 415-C N94113 ---------------------------- ========================================================================== == == To leave this forum go to: http://ercoupers.com/lists.htm Search the archives on http://escribe.com/aviation/coupers-tech/ ========================================================================== ==== To leave this forum go to: http://ercoupers.com/lists.htm Search the archives on http://escribe.com/aviation/coupers-tech/
<<attachment: winmail.dat>>
