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Tim Brown
PostPosted: Fri Apr 10, 2015 4:53 pm 
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I was putting the wheel pants back on C-GABY (after 8 years of flying pantless) but realized that there is currently no way to get to the tire valve to check or add air with removing the pant.

What are you guys doing to deal with that?

Thanks...


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Rich Brazell
PostPosted: Fri Apr 10, 2015 5:17 pm 
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I put in a door . BOOM !

RB O0


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Ryan Allen
PostPosted: Fri Apr 10, 2015 5:23 pm 
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I used a 3/4" or 1" ( I cant recall the size) diameter hole cutting drill bit attachment and drilled hole through the fiberglass pant. Then I went down to home depot and got a 3/4" or 1" diameter plastic hole cover plug.


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bfinney
PostPosted: Fri Apr 10, 2015 6:08 pm 
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My pants have a relief cut at the bottom that will clear a valve extension or a straight air chuck to a horizontal valve stem. (no picture currently)

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Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA


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fytrplt
PostPosted: Fri Apr 10, 2015 6:35 pm 
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I use a straight chuck like Bruce. No mod needed. I did mark the rim where the valve stem is (Magic Marker) so I know where to roll the plane to in order to reach the stem. Might have to relieve the bottom of the pant just a bit to get the chuck on. If you mount the pant too low, you may find the tire rubs when it "grows" as it speeds up. Wheel pants give you 3MPH; good gear leg fairings give 8 MPH. Don't sacrifice serviceability for perceived speed.

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Tim Brown
PostPosted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 11:56 am 
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My air valves have a cap...how do you get your fingers on that through the hole.... I can barely get the thing off with the pants off the wheel...

cap removal tool of some sort?


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dickwolff
PostPosted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 12:03 pm 
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the yellow ones? just use a socket.


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bfinney
PostPosted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 1:39 pm 
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Skinny fingers 8)

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Bruce Finney
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Rich Brazell
PostPosted: Sun Apr 12, 2015 2:39 pm 
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I use a 3/8" socket and extension (1/4" drive) to R & R the cap . I also carry a screw on valve extension should I be at a field that does not have a "straight" air chuck .

RB


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jrevens
PostPosted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 12:40 am 
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I have a 1" hole with a snap-in plug also. I carry a valve stem extension, like Rich. In the hangar, I use a 3/8" nutdriver for the stem caps, & have a 1/4" drive socket set in my onboard tool kit for away from home. I've seen a nice little plastic tool for removing & replacing stem caps that holds the cap securely - I think they're sold by Avery? They're light & simple.

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Arvada, Colorado

T-18 N71JE (sold)
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