SonexBuilders.net

Are builders having problems with cracks, etc. on the wheel pants or just being pro-active, adding reinforcing?

Without reinforcement you will find that the holes for the mounting bolts will wear out quickly. I added aluminum sheet reinforcement to both sides of the pants.

Don't let this happen to you!
http://youtu.be/R5wykdE6R94

After replacing the pant, I glassed in large washers on the inside of the pant to take the screws. I also upsized them to ¼ inch bolts. So far so good.

I don't have any reinforcement, just large external washers on all wheel pant bolts. Have logged 180 landings since fitting them, many on pretty rough grass strips. No problems so far - they are on my daily checklist.

Peter Anson
Sonex 894, Jab 3300, 170 hours

Now that I'm using Photobucket (again), I thought that I'd put this pic up that I meant post a while back. It shows a metal doubler that strengthens the pants. Has worked thus far after 750+ landings. I should add that it is lightly glassed in as well as secured with flush rivets...

thad14433 wrote:Are builders having problems with cracks, etc. on the wheel pants or just being pro-active, adding reinforcing?

Reinforcing is highly recommended.

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 933&row=16

The outside holes elongated on our Sonex so we installed large thin washers inside and outside with 2 part epoxy. Then we used AN3 bolts with internal locks both on the outside and the 4 inside. No more philips coming loose. Have flown on rough grass/dirt and bounced a few on pavement. Both are holding up good. Also used some Blue loctite. So far it's holding good and they look good. AeroVee N179ES