I am getting to the end of the build process, and I needed to complete the
mandatory
Mod 57, nose gear leg to housing reinforcement.
I finally got a welder willing to do the job on site, and it was completed last
night. We followed the instructions exactly, and it went pretty well -- as far
as welding on the gussets were concerned.
However, with the nose up in the air and nothing supporting the gear housing
assembly,
the applied heat expanded the housing to the point the lower bushing dropped
out, followed by the thinner, taller middle bushing (with the hole drilled
in it). That was a surprise. Nothing indicated those should be clamped in
place doing this process.
I dont imagine I am the only one to whom this has happened, but I do need to
know
how to reassemble the pieces. The hole drilled in the taller middle piece is
not centered. It is about 12 mm to the end of the cylinder on one side and about
15 mm from the other end. Does it make a difference which end is up?
It appears the lower bushing is a press fit. I have a call into Europa at the
moment,
but f I dont hear otherwise, I plan to freeze the bushing, heat the housing
with a propane torch, then then slide them into positions as quickly as
possible.
If anyone has a betting idea, please let me know.
Regards,
Jeff Williams,
Builder A157
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