Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I have a bad shimmy with my flat spring/Maule tailwheel, and am wanting to replace it with a Trusty tail spring and tail wheel assembly. Does anyone have one for sale or know where I can get one?

I just ordered a new "Trusty Tailwheel Spring" from Langair Machining. If anyone else needs one, if you order now there will be a slight discount on the price.

If you are using an RV tailwheel tell Lange. RVs are reamed .010 bigger than T18s.
Check old posts on this subject.
Bob

If you specify RV diameter spring end, you can select one of the many tail wheel assemblies available for the RV's. If not, you can but a tailwheel from ACS, they already have the T-18 spec wheel assembly.
I went the other route, and bought a stock TRUSTY tail spring assembly from the recent group buy here. I then contacted the tailwheel manufacturer of my choice (Vince @ Flyboy accessories) and he agreed to manufacture one of his tailwheel assemblies with the smaller diameter spring socket. I measured the spring end and sent him the measurement, and in a few weeks I had the tailwheel assembly. That's the time delay cost of custom work. I had to use a flapwheel to open the hole a bit, but I ended up with a prefect fit. Much better than being too loose.
I only selected the Flyboy Accessories tailwheel because it seems to me that it would have less aerodynamic drag, being welded from Steel flat stock instead of tube.
The few landings I've experienced with it were great! I believe it was well worth the effort.

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Scott Emery
EAA Chapter 326
T-18 N18TE

I just talked to Lange and asked for the RV diameter spring end, and Richard said that would not be a problem. Things for the heads up!

Does anyone know anything about the Trusty tailwheel spring "mounting bracket by Chuck Borden"? Does anyone have one available, or know how to contact Chuck Borden to see if he can make one for me?

Last I saw Chuck had the standard trusty tail spring mount. In fact I believe he bought his from Tom like most of us.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Dennis, found one Bill LAL

I got the Chuck Borden mount probably 10-15 years ago from Chuck ? When I decided to upgrade to the rod mount I sent the Borden "mount" to Tom along with my "Bolster" so he could match drill the rod . I have not heard from Chuck in a few years ? Last time I saw him may have been at Poterville ?

RB

I saw Chuck approximately 2 years ago at the Portland, TN airport. He was still flying his T-18. Might try calling the airport there to see if he's still around.

Like Bill said, we have one over here in Lakeland if you want it.

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

denndowning

Why you don't take the time to see or understant why your maule tail wheel do the shimmy? Sometimes is very easy to fix this trouble.
Try to lift the tail and put a stand under the fuselage belly. You see almost instantly when you shake the tailwheel area if you have loose bolts or other broken parts.
After that take the desicion to put money to repair your old flat spring tail wheel or buy a brand new one!

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Thierry
French Canadian T-18
C-FPVE #091

Chuck was building them. He & Tom are very good friends & were hangar mates, as you probably know. I haven't heard anything from Chuck for quite awhile... anyone know where/how he is?

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John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE

Last time I saw Chuck was at Porterville ? 3-4 years ago ? He may have been at KVIS , I just don't remember .

RB

Bill & Bob. I definitely want the one you guys have. I'll give you a call in the next couple of days to see about getting it. Thanks. Dennis