Step 6. Drill the main axle hole using a 3/8" drill bit. It is
helpful to start with a 1/8" pilot hole first. Once the hole is
drilled, trial fit the axle to the opening again. You may have to
enlarge the hole further. A Dremel moto-tool is useful for making
the opening larger. Use a fine, round file to make final adjust-
ments to the opening. Repeat the process for the other wheel
pant. Use caution not to split the wood.
Step 7. Locate the axle, lock nut, wheel, and two wheel collars.
Mount both axles to the landing gear using the large lock nuts.
Once mounted, you will have to trim each axle to fit inside the
wheel pant, using a moto-tool and a cut-off wheel. Use caution
when cutting the axles and wear protective goggles.
Step 8. The wheel pant can be trial fitted to the landing
gear/axle. Adjust the wheel pant in reference to the bottom of the
fuselage so the bottom of the wheel pant is parallel to the bottom
of the fuselage. When you are satisfied with the relationship,
mark the small hole opening onto the wheel pant. This mark can
be made by passing a small drill bit through the hole and mark-
ing the surface of the wheel pant. Remove the wheel pant and
drill a 3/32" hole in the wheel pant as marked.
Step 9. Repeat Step 9 for the other wheel pant.
Step 10. Epoxy a 4-40 blind nut into the small hole drilled
in the wheel pant /plywood brace inside the wheel pant. Allow
the epoxy to cure completely before attempting to tighten the
bolt down.
Step 11. Mount the wheel pant to the axle and screw in the
4-40 bolt into the small hole above the axle, so that it screws
into the blind nut. Before tightening the 4-40 bolt, slide on a
wheel collar, the wheel and another wheel collar onto the axle.
Step 12. Tighten down the 4-40 bolt to secure the wheel pant
to the landing gear. Position the wheel in the center of the wheel
pant opening, and retain it there by positioning the two wheel
collars (on either side of the wheel) so that the wheel is kept in
the center of the wheel pant opening. Tighten both wheel collar
screws snugly once the wheel is properly positioned.
Note: A drop of threadlock Z-42 on the wheel collar
screws will help keep them from coming lose during
operation. Repeat the process for the other wheel.
33
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