Landing gear, repairable?

[Marty57]

I need some advice from the experts. I purchased a set of Super Cub landing gear (used) for my 2+2 project. They were shipped wrapped in plastic, no box. One of the gear has some damage from shipping. The axle thread area is bent between two of the slots. My question, can it be repaired, how much and where can i get it done? I live near Mojave, California. I am waiting to hear from the seller but in the mean time, need some advice so I know what to tell him. I have posted a couple of pictures, the links are below. Sorry, I could not figure out how to put them in the post. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Marty Feehan
http://sparky.supercub.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=7057&cat=513
http://sparky.supercub.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=7056&cat=513[/img]

 

[Steve Pierce]

I would put a pipe inside the axle and bend it out. Then use dye penetrant and inspect for cracks. The axle is .125" 4130 if I am not mistaken. If you were concerned about it breaking off you could slide a tube inside it and rosette weld it.

 

[Marty57]

Steve,
Would you use heat when bending it out? Regarding the welding, where would you do the rosette and then what about the threads?

Thanks,
Marty

 

[T.J.]

delete

 

[Flapman]

Marty,
We have a 1 1/2 x 16 die to clean up the threads. If you woul like to borrow it contact me direct and I'll send it to you.
Regards,
Flapman
<john@dakotacubaircraft.com>

 

[Steve Pierce]

Ditto above. I have a thread file that works great too.

 

[Marty57]

Well, I think from all the great advice I have gotten I have a plan on repairing this thing. This is a combination of all your inputs.
My plan is to make a tapered bar that I can slip into the axle. I will taper just the first inch or so to straighten the bent tab. I plan on heating the tab to a glowing temp, and then tap the bar through to reform the tab. If necessary, I can use the remainder of the bar as a bucking bar and use a soft hammer or wood block to straighten out any distortion. Next, releave any stress with heat normalizing. Last is to chase the threads and check for cracks with dye. If cracks are found, I can then proceed with a weld reinforcment or weld the crack and re thread.
I must say that the support from this site amazes me. This truly is a community in every sense of the word. I will pass on the results of the repair and post some pictures. One thing this process reinforces for me is that I chose the correct project to build. I know the 2+2 is not a Super Cub, but the next best plane for my needs. Thanks all.
Marty Feehan

 

[Erik]

what is a "2+2" anyway?

 

[Marty57]

Sorry. The 2+2 is the Wag Aero Sportsman 2+2. It is a PA-14 Family Cruiser expairamental. I am currently welding the fuselage and will be using the Super Cub gear legs on it. I am building it with wood wings, adding flaps as per the original PA-14. Engine will be 150-160 hp and I will be installing many of the mods I have seen here at Supercub.org. For anyone needing the additional size offered (4 seat) with performance close to but not a Super Cub, I think this is a great plane. Proven design with as many parts available pre made as you desire or build all yourself. I have all the wood for the wings, and all fuselage materials and fittings, and now gear legs and I have only spent about $2800. I will be posting pictures of the project as I go.

Marty