Top Flite TOPA0310 - Manual (Page 48)

Make the Pushrod Exit Covers
❏ ❏ 1. Use the pushrod exit cover pattern on the
plan to make a pushrod exit cover from the circular
sheet of plastic you cut from the aft cowl.
Refer to this photo for the following three steps.
❏ ❏ 2. Cut slots in the pushrod exit cover so the
elevator pushrod and rudder cable can pass through.
Test fit the cover over the fuse to make sure the
slots are in the correct location. Make adjustments
if necessary.
❏ ❏
3. Glue a hooded pushrod exit in the upper
slot for the elevator pushrod. Trim the flange on the
base of the hooded pushrod exit flush with the inside
surface of the pushrod exit cover. Cut the remaining
portion of the elevator pushrod guide tube that
protrudes from the fuselage.
❏ ❏ 4. Fit the pushrod exit cover over the fuse. Drill
1/16" holes in the fuse and 3/32" holes in the cover, then
secure the cover to the fuse with #2 x 3/8" screws.
❏ ❏ 5. If you prefer, glue an additional hooded
pushrod exit to the pushrod exit cover over the
rudder cable guide tube, or leave the guide tube
extending from the fuse as shown in the photo.
❏ 6. Make the pushrod exit cover for the other side
of the fuse the same way.
Assemble the Wheel Pants
❏ ❏ 1. Cut one set of wheel pant halves along the
molded-in cutlines. Thoroughly roughen the insides
of both wheel pant halves so glue will adhere.
❏ ❏
2. Cut a piece of leftover 1/16" plywood to fit
in the recess in the inner wheel pant half and glue
it into position (you can see the ply piece in the
following photo).
❏ ❏ 3. Test fit the inner wheel pant to the
corresponding landing gear. If necessary, round the
edges of the gear so it will fully contact the ply plate.
❏ ❏ 4. Temporarily fit the inside wheel pant to the
matching landing gear. Mark the location of the hole
on the pant, then drill or cut a 5/16" hole for the axle.
❏ ❏ 5. Glue the inner wheel pant half to the outer
wheel pant half with CA. Refrain from using
accelerator because it may soften the plastic. Be
certain the two halves are securely glued together by
reinforcing the seam from the inside with CA.
❏ ❏ 6. Slip a 3/16" wheel collar, a 5" wheel followed
by another 3/16" wheel collar onto the axle. Fit the
assembly into the wheel pant, then mount the pant
and the axle to the landing gear with a nut.
Note: If
necessary, use a #11 drill to enlarge the hole in your
wheel to fit the axle.
❏ ❏ 7. Center the wheel in the wheel pant. Be
certain the opening for the wheel provides at least
3/16" clearance all the way around. Enlarge the
opening if necessary.
❏ ❏ 8. Tighten and loosen the set screws a few times
to mark where they contact the axle. Remove the
wheel and wheel pant and file flat spots on the axle
where the set screws left their marks.
Do not omit the
outer flat spot on the axle, otherwise the wheel collar
may shift or fall off.
(One wheel landings are not
particularly difficult, but can be embarrassing.)
❏ 9. You know the drill. Return to the first step and
assemble the other wheel pant the same way.
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