tigerrick(at)mindspring.c
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 Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:54 pm Post subject: 601/650 Airframe Upgrades, Grove Gear |
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Here's what I just posted to the 601 list, I thought it should be here, too.
Hi, Gang!
I just had a good conversation with Sebastien at Zenith, and got a bit more information that might be helpful when making decisions about the upcoming upgrades to the Zenith 601/650 series.
First, Sebastien estimates that the full upgrade kit will run approximately $300, not including shipping. This represents Zenith's costs in materials alone, including hardware.
Second, Zenith estimates that the net weight increase will average between 5 and 6 pounds, once the old fasteners are removed, new components are installed, and new fasteners are replaced.
Third, they've already started a blog with photos and video on "how to" accomplish the upgrade. As you can imagine, this is an ongoing work in progress, so it's being updated on a periodic basis. And yes, you can post your comments to Zenith as well. Here'e the link:
http://www.zenith.aero/profiles/blogs/installing-the-upgrade-package
Personally speaking, 5 or 6 pounds is a lot less than I was imagining after looking at the drawings, so maybe there's a bit less pressure to install the lighter weight Grove gear. On the other hand, I can't think of a better time to do it and get 10 more pounds of useful load, so I'm going to keep looking into the logistics of a group buy. As has been posted previously here, the Grove gear lists for $1347, and gun drilled brake lines adds another $100 per gear leg. Robbie Grove said we could expect a 10 to 15 percent discount off of list if we got 10 or so buyers together.
Don't forget that installing the Grove gear requires an adapter block to allow the narrower Grove gear to fit snugly in the existing gear channel, and this is manufactured by Zenair in Canada. I missed talking to them about cost and availability earlier today, but will follow up tomorrow.
Frankly, I think this is all good news from Zenith, and they deserve a lot of credit for delivering an enhancement that really strengthens the airframe, and will give us enhanced peace of mind while flying. Kudos to Chris and sons for stepping up to the challenge, and keeping the cost down to a bare minimum.
And before I forget, a big THANK YOU! to all of the veteran and current servicemen and women in our Zenith family! Without their sacrifices, we would not have the freedoms we take for granted today. Building and flying your own airplane would be nothing more than a fanciful dream...
Rick Lindstrom
Zenvair 601 N42KP
..and proud parent of a US Marine.
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