I like them! I think they are better with unforgiving terrain. I have not flown since putting it on so the jury is not yet in the courtroom! It might change the dynamics of how the fairings work but I don't think so. I just put on a new gear leg stiffener system using stiff fiberglass rods wrapped with layers of fiberglass. Stainless steel tape strategically placed at spots that rub help keep the aluminum from not wearing from the inside out. Never had smoking rivets and the system seems to be working just fine. I think the two pieces give it the extra flex it needs to put up with rougher terrain. I did the stock (I think!) Van's design using a split upper and lower fairing and hinge setup. The pics are my RV-4 gear legs with #4 screws. Looking forward to seeing some ideas or hearing some opinions. Vans designed a fairly rugged plane, but my intersection fairings, gear leg fairings, and wheel pants always get a little beat up… so this time I want to find a better way. Then drill and tap the angle and use #6 screws and skin washers. Grind the aluminum stock to match the inside profile of the gear leg. What I’m leaning towards now, is a modified piece of aluminum stock to take the place of the piano hinge. I have no problem doing it again if I don’t come up with another idea. It looks cooler (IMHO) and it has lasted the test of time. I simply threaded the #4 screws into the piano hinge. The second time I used piano hinges and number 4 screws. Within a couple hundred hours, there was a ton of smoking rivets. The first time was done via Vans plans and rivets and piano hinges were used. I do a lot of grass landings so there is probably more movement than most city planes. The third time is going on an F-4 Raider/Rocket. Hanging my 3rd pair of gear leg fairings.
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