Gear Leg Covering

[wpbrady]

I plan on covering my gear legs. Looking at the CC heavy duty gear I am having some trouble deciding how to run the fabric around the gussets. Does anyone have any pictures to help me out? Thanks

 

[Bob Breeden]

I just wrapped mine right over the gussets - least drag and the gussets haven't ripped the fabric....though I consider gear leg fabric somewhat sacrificial in the functional sort of way - it serves its purpose but is a consumable over time being so near where the rubber meets ??????? whatever???????

 

[RPURCELL]

I covered my gear legs down to the gussets. I rolled the lower edge of the fabric under so there was not a raw edge of fabric showing. I then shrunk the fabric. This leaves a small opening about 4-5 inches at the bottom of the leg. I added a small piece of fabric closing the lower opening attaching it to the inner and outer layers and the shrunk that piece. This did a nice job of pulling the layers together and closing the opening. The brake line exits at the front leg and a small gap remains at the back leg to let out any moisture that might collect. This method leaves the lower cluster of the gear and gussets visible for inspection.

 

[dougsappllc]

Not trying to steal the thread but I seem to be seeing more cubs with the gear not covered than covered. Does anyone have any firm evidence as far as which way is best. Three in our area 2 uncovered, one covered.

 

[Bob Breeden]

I noted a significant reduction in climb rate, and a sense of drag low in the airframe with TWO concurrent changes:

1.) switching from Piper stock aluminum teardrop bungee covers to vynil bungee boots, which with airspeed are pressed flat and tall, and
2.) removal of gear fabric, which requires 2 pipes to pass through the air perpendicular to the slipstream, whereas with fabric covering this makes for just one pipe edge cutting the air.....

So I went back to aluminum covers (oversized ones are available for the 1280/1380 sized bungees), and reinstalled covering on the gear legs......

The seat of the pants sense is that this drag far exceeded that of going from 26 Goodyears to 31 Bushwheels.

Bob Breeden

 

[bob turner]

Never flew a 31", but routinely fly Cubs with 26", open gear legs, leather rubber band covers, etc. I cannot feel the drag down there. I can see it, though, on the airspeed indicator in cruise - the PA-11 gained ten mph just bv covering those rubber bands, enclosing the engine, and changing the windshield and lift struts. That is quite a bit of drag reduction at Cub speeds!

Cover them, but use the heavy stuff, make it tight, and use good surface tapes. The right gear leg will still crack out after a few years, near the step.

Someday I will put the tin cans around my rubber bands - maybe with leather outside of them for authenticity?

 

[Steve Pierce]

You can see what happens in 1000 hrs with covered gear legs. Of course this Cub Driver is hard on stuff too. :lol:

 

[dougc905]

Steve,

What are we looking at? Rust? Something popped under the covering?

 

[StewartB]

Not trying to steal the thread but I seem to be seeing more cubs with the gear not covered than covered. Does anyone have any firm evidence as far as which way is best. Three in our area 2 uncovered, one covered.

Entering my -12 would be a pain with covered gear. Even with Dodge long steps I use the gear tubes for footing. My last gear had wing walk tape on the main tube. I need to add it to my newer gear.

I'm not the least bit concerned with drag.

Stewart

 

[Darrel Starr]

If you are going to cover the gear, don't cover the gussets -- looks like there is an unnatural growth on the gear.

With a little care, you can cover the gear with the gussets on the outside of the cover:

Darrel

 

[Steve Pierce]

Steve,

What are we looking at? Rust? Something popped under the covering?

The pictures are of 3" extended gear covered on a Cub Crafters built Super Cub. You are seeing cracks in the paint after 1000 hours. Pretty typical of covered landing gear in my opinion on most Piper aircraft.

Daryl, as usual, nice job. I bet that was a pain to cover like that but looks great.

 

[tempdoug]

anyone ever use a piece of aluminum in the space, maybe attached with some cushion clamps?

 

[Darrel Starr]

Fortunately, I didn't have to figure out how to cover the gear and leave the gussets on the outside. I talked it over with Bob Schefter, 218-205-0463, and he puzzled it out until he was able to get it to look right -- a great craftsman!
Darrel