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View Full Version : Buccaneer 2 trailing edge elevator tube replacement needed.



Steve K
06-19-2016, 11:16 PM
Hi all,

I need a replacement elevator trailing edge tube for an old Keuthan aircraft buccaneer 2 kit. Assume the same part used in all Buccaneer 2's and possibly Aventura 2. i had ordered and received a replacement part from Aero Adventure but the part received was not serviceable.

Over the past 10 months, I have searched local companies that bend thin wall aluminum tube in Portland metro area, but no one willing to even try to duplicate the part. 3 months ago, I purchased some bending dies and built my own fixture foundation for home brew mandrel bender. Was able to bend, fabricate three of the four parts needed, but the elevator tube with largest angular bends will not bend without collapse and fracture around 3.5" radius. My fixture is not rigid enough. Yes, the 6061-t6 1" od, .049" wall tube was annealed before bends attempted.

With so many Buccaneer 2's out there (mostly in Florida) I hope someone has or knows someone with an extra elevator trailing edge tube to sell. If you have, or know someone that has an elevator tube they would be willing to sell, or can fabricate a tube, please, please respond here. I have only one tube as a pattern, the other was shipped to Aero Adventure as pattern but was not return.

Help in locating, procuring the needed part would be infinitely appreciated.

Steve Kelley

vaflier
06-21-2016, 05:43 PM
If you try to bend another one filling it with sand and securely plugging both ends may well help keep it from kinking. The sand would have to be packed tight. You might also want to check the auto parts or exhaust stores to see if they have a bender that will di the job.

martymayes
06-21-2016, 06:38 PM
Steve, how long between annealing and bending? Have you considered using T4 and then aging to T6 after bending? T4 is easier - substantially easier to work with less tendency to crack.

Steve K
06-22-2016, 12:49 PM
Bean there, done that. Have received numerous suggestions regarding packing with sand over the passed year. Tried it 4 times. the last attempt, fill and pack, then cut stout interference fit wood dowel end caps, drilled and staked in the ends while holding high pressure on ends while setting staking screws. Tube walls still collapsed.

Exhaust shops in area I have contacted will not even look at it once I tell them it is 0.49" wall 1" aluminum tube, regardless of annealed state.

Done with fabricating the part myself. Need a fabricated part to purchase.

But thanks for input.