Rear Strut Fork Fitting For Colligiate

[Mark Shayne]

Hello all. Does anyone know if the rear wing strut adjustment fork was "generic" to any other aircraft from that era? Or (an astronomical long shot here..) happen to have one or two that are serviceable available? Oneof mine has some surface corrosion that is making the IA a bit nervous. See attached photo.  Thanks, Mark NC27249

[Andy Gelston]

It depends which rear strut you have. If it's 112-1/8" long, use a #2656 fork end (see dwg A-1261) with an AN315-7R check nut (https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/univair-strut-fork.php). If it's 112-7/16" long, use the fork (see dwg A-255) with an AN315-6R check nut (https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pnpages/05-21965.php).

Porterfield made their own forks. Unfortunately, I don't have drawings A-1261, nor A-255, and who knows if Rankin, the TC holder, has them. He's shown very little interest in supporting the skinny birds since he inherited the TC. The Piper/Univair forks from AS&S are a form, fit, function replacement and can be used as an owner manufactured part on a Form 337 (signed off by your wary IA).

Barring that, send your fork off to a vendor that will clean it up and cad plate it. 

[Mark Shayne]

Hi Andy, thank you for your reply. You are great about getting back to people on these things and I am very grateful. I will check and see if I have those drawings. I’ve got a pretty decent set. A lot of of them are kind of hard to read because they’ve been copied many times I believe. I’ll measure my struts and see what I have. Thanks again!

[Mark Shayne]

Has anyone ever contacted the type certificate owner about possibly selling it to someone who would have the interest in supporting the old fleet?