Landing gear boxes

[8426]

Josh,
Yes I bought this 120 last month in Georgia. The prebuy consisted of a flashlight inspection of what could be easily accessed, and a pull through of the prop to check the compression. The guy that performed the inspection was paid what he was worth. Nothing, he did it for free. It was me. Although I thought I looked it over fairly well, I missed the gear problem. If I were to guess, a lot of others missed them for many years also. As you can see from one of the photos, a mirror is required to find them. So, if you are in the market, and are worried about finding cracks, you should consider this one. I have already found the cracks for you. (I am trying to maintain a sense of humor through this)
Rick

[8413]

Rick,
I thought it looked familiar. I was interested in that one too, but it was too far away. I hope you are able to find a way to get her fixed and back in the air.
Josh

[8376]

Any resolution to you gear boxes?

I am currently starting the removal process due to cracks in the welds where the gear enters the box and several below where the brake line runs through (both sides)... unknown how long they have actually been there.

If anybody has removal pictures or recommendations that would have made it easier I am open to hearing all suggestions.

[8376]

Can the 140 gear boxes be welded or have they been heat treated?

They will be coming out in the next few days and just trying to determine if they can be repaired or if they need to be replaced.

Thanks,

Jimmy

[V529]

As best as I can see from the reference info, just weld them up and re-install.

[6597]

Tig weld, rosebud to heat/stress relieve, sandblast, zinc chromate. I recall only one rivet hole was out of alignment when we put it all back together.

[8376]

Sounds great I appreciate it... the floor came out today and it’s amazing how much debris was cleaned out after all the years of service. The mud gobbers and bees really made a home at some point many many years ago.

[8376]

Attached are the cracks that I have where the brake line comes through the box on each side of the plane. Any thought as to if it needs to be repaired or can be monitored.

[2066]

James K. wrote: "...needs to be repaired or can be monitored...".(?)

FWIW, I'm aware of a couple that have been monitored for several years after having been discovered (...really hard to see, as you know). On both aircraft (120 & a 140), there's been absolutely no change over the years and hours. Those small "panels" ("Angle - Support"...maybe .025 stamping?) were added on later SNs (14163>), but were apparently(?) not "needed" in earlier years, and for some reason they seem prone to flexing and cracking until they "settle down"(?) on some aircraft. IAs involved with these two were comfortable with monitoring. Again, FWIW -- with your floor removed you're getting pretty close to them, so a "repair" may make sense if now accessible. It's hard to see from pic, but one does appear to be a bit corroded, also(?). Mac

[8224]

Rick, I am in the process of restoring a ‘47 C-140 and had to remove both of the steel gear boxes and repair them. I have some pictures and some experience so if I can help let me know. Steve Hawley, South Carolina
stevehawl@windstream.net