Hello,

My name is Mr. Michael Mccarthy, I have contacted you before without any response from you. Please replied if you receive this message. I have something very important to discuss with you, I have a vital information to give you. Could you please get back to me on (mmichaelmccarthy4@gmail.com ) for full details.

Michael Mccarthy.

Victor,

Thanks for the info...Guess I'll wait before ordering any. I'm only 5'7" tall. Do you think the 4" forward set you mentioned would work for me, or maybe even a little more forward ?

Jim

Thanks, Victor,

I found a non Ridgid tube bender made in China and distributed here by Superior Tool Company, Cleveland, Ohio, that looks exactly like the Ridged model for 15 USD.  I'm going to take a chance on it since it appears to be rather well constructed with curved channels on both arms of the bender to match the three tubing sizes.

But I cannot find a Ridgid Flaring Tool 458 with a 37 degree cone.  The only one I am finding with a Google Search is for the 458R model which has a 45 degree cone only for various size tubing.  Are you certain that the model 458 creates 37 degree cone shape?  Is 37 degree cone required for the AN fittings or will a 45 degree flare work as well?  As you can see, I am a real novice on these technicalities.  I've repaired and replaced old copper tubing on my camper over the years and really didn't pay too much attention to the cone flare angles.

About Sarah's dock, I'll bet she would let you tie up there if you asked.  However, I know she and Todd have become much more concerned about security and safety for their children since she has become a bit of a national figure, but they are still rather open and regular folks.  Not too far down the lake from their place is the Best Western Lake Lucille in which is open to any and all visitors.   Don't have to be a customer of the lodge to tie up there, although I'm sure the owners would hope visitors would spend the night. 

If you do plan an Alaska visit; particularly Wasilla, be sure to let me know.  Email is beartrax at mtaonline dot net.  I would like to meet and see you and your finished project. 

Bill

Hi Victor,

Yep, we are not far away.  My wife and I ha've been up and down the Alcan a lot and Whitehorse is our favorite Canadian town.  We spent a near "lifetime" (four days) there several years ago, but that is a story for another time.  One of the most friendly places to spend some time along that trail in my opinion.

I found several Ridgid tube benders here. The more expensive was the single size bender and your comments eliminated that one.  But the multi-size version was less than 50 $US so I wasn't sure if we have here what you used.  Probably doesn't matter too much.  I'm sure that any bender by Ridgid that works on the size tubing used will be ok.  However, I prefer to get a known quantity... one that is known to do the job.

The Ridgid flare tool is $60 here and I can see that it is a much better made tool than my cheaper plumber's flaring tool. 

An A&P friend of mine stressed to me the importance of building light and for convenient access for maintenance;  your approach and comments are very helpful to me.

Did you use bulkhead fittings at every bulkhead or panel that blocked the route of the lines?  The only negative I see is the increased number of potential leaky connections.  However, if accessible, servicing is easy and preferred to the original design.

Bill

Thanks, Victor,

I found a Ridgid Tools outlet here in Wasilla. and a couple in Anchorage.  Which model did you use?

By the way, have you reached the flying phase yet?

Bill

Victor,

I learned a lot after reading your extensive comments and viewing your pix on fuel line routing.  I plan to use aluminum tubing also to replace the kit rubber fuel lines. You mentioned that your used professional tube bender. and I found lots of options at Aircraft Spruce.  Which one did you use? 

 

Bill

 

Victor,

Thanks for the comment-I really enjoyed the build.

Bill

I pick-up my kit in a week.  I hope to include many of your great details.  Have you made a decision on your powerplant?

Victor...after looking at the drawing, the only thing I can figure out is that it might address an oil canning issue. When you slow to approach speed (50-65), the rear luggage area tends to rattle and buffet...kinda acts like a stall warning. Meaning, when you hear the metal rattling, you know you are going slow. They might be trying to eleminate that. There is also a buffet under your feet that I noticed Roger tried to elemantate with L angle on the belly. Let me know if you find out what the fuse doubles are for.....Right now I am in the middle of negotiating a new ground adjustable prop with JabUSA