On Monday, December 5, 2016 at 12:15:10 PM UTC-5, Jim Kellett wrote:
WE have a new replacement strut, already compressed. Any tips on how to install it??

Here's the process:

With canopy wide open, mark rod of old cylinder before removal, so you have a reference length to compress the new cylinder to.

Leave the old clevis fitting in the nose of the glider, unscrew the old strut.

Remove the old cylinder, determine the o'all length with canopy open. Drill 2) 3/32" holes in the new strut. One in the rod about 1/2" back from threaded end (if you don't know how drill a nice neat hole in a steel shaft, take it to someone who does), one in the eye (as far off the center line as you can go -- makes later removal possible). Compress (drill press works well) about 1/4" shorter than the canopy wide-open length and tie off with two wraps of 0.040 tie wire.

Install the new strut. Cut the wire and remove.

Do it all a second time when you discover you can't get all the safety wire out :-).

-Evan Ludeman / T8