Thorp Air Command - T18.net

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.

_________________
Brian Cabebe
N39JP

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

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.

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.

_________________
Fraser MacPhee
N926WM
Serial #279-1
Angel Fire, NM (KAXX)

mine is painted and paint is holding up very well on it.

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

Mine was rusting while on the shelf waiting to install. Painted it a few years ago, holding up fine.

_________________
Chuck Kincer
Richmond, Me
575CK
KIWI

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

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.

Not sure what color . We have several coating outfits here in San Diego .

RB

If you don't paint it, you will have a great start on a "rat plane"!

Just my $0.02 Cdn,
Jim

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.

_________________
Brian Cabebe
N39JP