Matronics Email Lists :: View topic

Matronics Email Lists
Web Forum Interface to the Matronics Email Lists

Get Email Distribution Too! FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register

Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in

aerocet 1000 amphibs
Goto page 1, 2 Next

Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Kitfox-List

View previous topic :: View next topic

Author Message

vetdrem

Joined: 20 Nov 2007
Posts: 62

Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 1:14 pm Post subject: aerocet 1000 amphibs

I bought a set of used aerocet  amphibs for my model 3, and I'm getting them ready to install.  During this process, I realized that the brake calipers are mounted on the left side of the wheel for both mains.  Is this the correct way to install them, or was something installed incorrectly?  I also am in need of the fuselage brace that is needed for the model 3 but not needed for later models.  If anyone has one, or even a picture and can tell me what to make it out of, let me know.

Thanks,



Louie

vetdrem

Joined: 20 Nov 2007
Posts: 62

Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 1:16 pm Post subject: Re: aerocet 1000 amphibs

of course I blew it in the title, they are actually 1100's

dave

Joined: 22 Sep 2006
Posts: 1382

Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 4:42 pm Post subject: Re: aerocet 1000 amphibs

 	  Quote: 	
		  During this process, I realized that the brake calipers are mounted on the left side of the wheel for both mains. Is this the correct way to install them, or was something installed incorrectly? 	




Yes this is correct. Also check both trailing arms and all SS parts for cracks or fatigue. They will bend and crack in time.  good design but poor strength with the SS used.  If you operate off grass strips and use seaplane ramps expect more repairs but they still quite usable.  I have them on mine and they are a very aerodynamic float.



I have a IV so I have no idea on the fuselage brace you mention.

_________________
Realtime Kitfox movies to separate the internet chatter from the truth
http://www.youtube.com/user/kitfoxflyer
Hundreds of Kitfox Movies
Most viewed Kitfox on youtube
Most popular on youtube
Highest rated on youtube

Float Flyr

Joined: 19 Jul 2006
Posts: 2704
Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland

Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 1:41 pm Post subject: aerocet 1000 amphibs

Dave:



There is a V shaped brace of around 1/2" tubing tha connects between the

front left ( pilot side) forward gear attach point and the same point on the

right side.  It then forms a "V" with another tube going back to the second

landing gear take off point on the left side.. This strengthened the frame

of the plane while on floats...  I was going to take a picture of the one on

my plane today bur was out for most of the morning.  If there isn't a

picture posted by tomorrow I'll take one and post it.

Noel Loveys

AME Intern, PP-Rec

Kitfox III-A, 582,B box

Ivo IFA, Aerocet 1100 floats

--

_________________
Noel Loveys
Kitfox III-A
Aerocet 1100 Floats

vetdrem

Joined: 20 Nov 2007
Posts: 62

Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 1:55 pm Post subject: Re: aerocet 1000 amphibs

I really appreciate both of you guys for your responses.



I am looking forward to seeing the pictures, if it isn't too much trouble. If you can determine the material, too, (steel, aluminum, unobtainuim, or whatever) that would really help.



Thanks again,



Louie

dave

Joined: 22 Sep 2006
Posts: 1382

Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 3:49 pm Post subject: Re: aerocet 1000 amphibs

Here is what a IV looks like inside. 

I made all hardware except the actual cables and the yellow johnson bar.

aerocet1a 007.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

970.58 KB

Viewed:

733 Time(s)

dave

Joined: 22 Sep 2006
Posts: 1382

Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 3:52 pm Post subject: Re: aerocet 1000 amphibs

Here is why you should check your Aerocet Gear . If it is not re-enforced it will break in time .

aerocetbusted 007.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

1.72 MB

Viewed:

761 Time(s)

aerocetfixed 003.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

1.47 MB

Viewed:

753 Time(s)

dave

Joined: 22 Sep 2006
Posts: 1382

Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 3:57 pm Post subject: Re: aerocet 1000 amphibs

Here is what to look for tiny cracks will propagate eventually

aerocetfixedRIGHT 002.jpg

Description:

look for cracks

Filesize:

1.27 MB

Viewed:

712 Time(s)

dave

Joined: 22 Sep 2006
Posts: 1382

Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 4:00 pm Post subject: Re: aerocet 1000 amphibs

Once you got the trailing arms looked at ,well  pull your linkages out and inspect. 



Here is a pic of what you might find.

aerocetfixedRIGHT 007.jpg

Description:

Stainless steel fatigue

Filesize:

1.11 MB

Viewed:

740 Time(s)

vetdrem

Joined: 20 Nov 2007
Posts: 62

Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 5:37 pm Post subject: Re: aerocet 1000 amphibs

Dave,  GREAT info.  I called Jim Fahey the other day.  He owns the rights to the aerocet 1100's and has all the forms, molds,jigs etc. for them and has some new parts.  The first thing he asked was if I had a "channel type" or a "box type" trailing arm.  I looked and mine is the box type.  He said that the failure that your pics show are likely with the channel style, so I was aware of the concern.  The process that I am going through right now is to identify these problems and fix them.  I have looked over the left main pretty good and only found one bolt that needed attention.  I didn't do a dye-penetrate test (don't have the "stuff") but I looked it over real good.  I even put on my glasses.  Tomorrow I move to the right side.



By the way, Mr. Fahey would like to sell the rights, equipment, and supplies for the aerocet 1100's if anyone would like to go into the float business.



Again, thanks for the info.



Louie

dave

Joined: 22 Sep 2006
Posts: 1382

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 12:26 am Post subject: Re: aerocet 1000 amphibs

Louie, 



Good stuff if you got the boxed trailing arms already but check all welds etc . Also I had one float where the top link ( where the pulley attaches) break out of the fiberglass.  The cloth was dry so I can only assume it was never soaked with resin and it was weak there. 



The 1100s were originally a straight float and once you add the amphib gear to them it detracts away from being a 1100 displacement and more like a 1050 or a bit less. This is partly why they sit low in the water on the nose. No big deal unless you had a heavy engine. But it does cut the time to get on step when loaded.  Other than that good float and handles very well on the ground ,water and in the air. 



How many hours are on yours? 



What does Jim want for the Aerocet package now?  Can you post his contact info or email me it . I have a few parts I need that he might have.

vetdrem

Joined: 20 Nov 2007
Posts: 62

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 5:10 am Post subject: Re: aerocet 1000 amphibs

I think that he said that he wants to get $11,000 for everything.  His cell number is (920) 493-4777,  he said that he doesn't have a signal a lot of the time (works in a metal building) but to just leave a message and he will return the call.

dholly

Joined: 19 Dec 2006
Posts: 40
Location: Upstate NY

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:22 am Post subject: Re: aerocet 1000 amphibs

Louie- sent you a PM. I have the channel style gear legs and was going to weld four SS plates to the arms for reinforcement (see attachment). Before I do, however, I'd be interested in seeing a pic of your 'boxed' style leg if you have one handy. Was this a oem improved part or user mod? Thanks, Doug

CIMG5822.JPG

Description:

Aerocet 1100 amphib main gear leg SS reinforcement plate

Filesize:

497.16 KB

Viewed:

641 Time(s)

dave

Joined: 22 Sep 2006
Posts: 1382

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 1:52 pm Post subject: Re: aerocet 1000 amphibs

Doug,



that looks like the plate that  would change the channel to a boxed style. 

I made mine out of  4130 channel welded inside of existing  channel . Both ways should be alot stronger than OEM . I think the lightening holes was a contributing factor to the weakness of the trailing arms.

aerocetfixed 024.jpg

Description:

Filesize:

1.24 MB

Viewed:

664 Time(s)

vetdrem

Joined: 20 Nov 2007
Posts: 62

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 2:08 pm Post subject: Re: aerocet 1000 amphibs

here is a pic of mine.  This is the inboard side of the left main, but they all look the same.  I believe that this is OEM, but I am not sure.  I know that I like the looks of mine better than the busted up things that Dave has pictures of.



Louie

003.JPG

Description:

Filesize:

468.63 KB

Viewed:

609 Time(s)

dave

Joined: 22 Sep 2006
Posts: 1382

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 2:36 pm Post subject: Re: aerocet 1000 amphibs

 	  Quote: 	
		   I know that I like the looks of mine better than the busted up things that Dave has pictures of. 



Louie

	




Louie,   that will re-enforce the trailing arms BUT you should look over every other part that I showed you are the welds do break. A cracked weld is easy to spot before it  breaks away and If it does you will be looking are far more damage . 



An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

vetdrem

Joined: 20 Nov 2007
Posts: 62

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 3:31 pm Post subject: Re: aerocet 1000 amphibs

That is what I'm doing now.  I have pretty much completed the left side, now I am ready to move to the right side.  I checked (visually) every component.  I found one bolt that was loose, but other than that, it really looks pretty good.



Louie

Float Flyr

Joined: 19 Jul 2006
Posts: 2704
Location: Campbellton, Newfoundland

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 3:38 pm Post subject: aerocet 1000 amphibs

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.



In this case it can be a lot more than that....

_________________
Noel Loveys
Kitfox III-A
Aerocet 1100 Floats

dave

Joined: 22 Sep 2006
Posts: 1382

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 4:08 pm Post subject: Re: aerocet 1000 amphibs

Louis, 



Another thing to check for is to make sure your Gear actually does go over center when locked down.  Failure to do this will make you find a 4130 fabricator.  Reason I say  4130 is that it it  stronger than the SS used.  I would not use SS of the same thickness as it appears too weak. 4130  is not corrosion proof though.

vetdrem

Joined: 20 Nov 2007
Posts: 62

Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 4:40 pm Post subject: Re: aerocet 1000 amphibs

The left side goes over center like it is supposed to.  I haven't checked the "timing" of the main to the nose wheel yet, but that is another major concern of mine.  I just haven't gotten that far, yet. This whole process is a learning event.  I have enough background in mechanics to be comfortable doing the inspection myself, it just takes me a little longer because I have to learn how it works before I can be sure that it is safe.



Louie

Display posts from previous:

	Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Kitfox-List	All times are GMT - 8 Hours Goto page 1, 2 Next
Page 1 of 2

Jump to:

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum