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Does Trusty tailwheel spring need to be painted?
http://t18.net/thorpforum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=7501		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  bcabebe [ Thu Jan 16, 2014 12:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Does Trusty tailwheel spring need to be painted?
Hi,

I've noticed recently that my Trusty tailwheel spring has some surface rust on it. See attached photo. Do I need to paint this, or can I just do something to get rid of, and then mitigate, the surface rust?

If I need to paint it, do I have to remove it to do so? I was thinking I could just hit it with an appropriate spray primer and spray paint, without removing it.

I didn't build this airplane, so I'm still learning about it's maintenance, and maintenance of airplanes in general.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Attachments:
N39JP_tailwheel_spring_sm.jpg
N39JP_tailwheel_spring_sm.jpg [ 438.03 KiB | Viewed 15201 times ]
Author:  Rich Brazell [ Thu Jan 16, 2014 2:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does Trusty tailwheel spring need to be painted?
Brian : Not that big of a deal to remove it . You probably have some surface rust on the rod where it attaches to the bolster and where the rod inserts into the tail wheel . Removing the rod would allow you to get ALL the rust off before you prime and paint .

I was thing of powder coating mine . Has anyone done that ?

RB O:-)
Author:  N89BJ [ Thu Jan 16, 2014 4:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does Trusty tailwheel spring need to be painted?
I painted mine. Looks good and makes it easier to clean. If you didn't want to paint it, at least keep some Boeshield T-9 on it.
Author:  Fraser MacPhee [ Thu Jan 16, 2014 5:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does Trusty tailwheel spring need to be painted?
I neglected to paint mine for the first 6 months post installation.....a picture leaked.....the wrath of Bravo Hotel descended upon me post haste. I listened. I sanded. I painted. No more wrath.
Author:  Ryan Allen [ Thu Jan 16, 2014 7:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does Trusty tailwheel spring need to be painted?
mine is painted and paint is holding up very well on it.
Author:  dan [ Thu Jan 16, 2014 10:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does Trusty tailwheel spring need to be painted?
A little rubdown with some scotchbrite to remove that little dab of rust, then a little epoxy primer, then a little enamel or somthing of the sort and it will be good for years......Dan
Author:  chuck [ Fri Jan 17, 2014 3:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does Trusty tailwheel spring need to be painted?
Mine was rusting while on the shelf waiting to install. Painted it a few years ago, holding up fine.

Attachments:
tailspring.jpg
tailspring.jpg [ 21.82 KiB | Viewed 15122 times ]
Author:  Rich Brazell [ Fri Jan 17, 2014 10:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does Trusty tailwheel spring need to be painted?
Back to my original question . Has anyone powder coated their tail rod ? They only bake it up to 400 degrees , so I don't think it will take any hardness/temper out of the rod ?

RB O:-)
Author:  Bill Williams [ Sat Jan 18, 2014 5:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Does Trusty tailwheel spring need to be painted?
I have seen a few powder coated springs on RV's. Rich, 400 degrees should not have an effect as Van's powder coats almost all of their parts including gear legs and engine mounts. I might take mine off and take to my coater and let you know. What color do you want? I should done it last week as I had a engine mount and 7 wheels done.
Author:  Rich Brazell [ Sat Jan 18, 2014 11:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Does Trusty tailwheel spring need to be painted?
Not sure what color . We have several coating outfits here in San Diego .

RB
Author:  Jim Mantyla [ Sat Jan 18, 2014 4:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Does Trusty tailwheel spring need to be painted?
If you don't paint it, you will have a great start on a "rat plane"!

Just my $0.02 Cdn,
Jim
Author:  bcabebe [ Wed Jan 22, 2014 11:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Does Trusty tailwheel spring need to be painted?
Thanks for all the advice. For now I think I'll use the T-9 and then plan on removing the tailwheel spring, and paint it, during the annual, in June.
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