Shock strut tube fairing

[DBeaulieu]

In my Patrol kit I have two streamlined (plastic of some sort) fairings to put on the shock strut tubes. How and what are some good methods to attach with respect to fasteners or adhesive?

Dave (from Maine)

[dramsey]

Virgil has a 3D printed part that works wonderful for that. It slides up the bottom of the strut and the fairing fits over it and is held toghtly in place.

[Nev]

Does the 3D print fit B model kits? Anyone got a file ? Thanks in advance.

[dramsey]

You may want to call Virgil regarding the file. He sent me the part when I inquired about fairing attachment. I seem to recall Bob specified a different spring but not a different strut for the model 5 vs 4. But Virgil would know.

[rodsmith]

I originally used 5 minute epoxy, applied at the top and bottom before sliding the fairings on. That didn't last long until I realized the fairings were loose. Mark Goldberg advised to use caulk. I applied sikiflex 221 that I had used to seal the windows at the top and bottom without removing the fairings. They have stayed in place since.

[noema]

I haven't done mine yet but I remember Mark saying PU installation foam works well.

[Bearhawk Aircraft]

The gear section will give you a good idea of how we terminate these fairings.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HQ8DMsCrgTQ0mHv-YTcuNDh1QpalqXv9

[jaredyates]

I took this picture in Virgil's booth at Sun-n-fun this year.
PXL_20260414_174426293-scaled.jpg

[Nev]

Is that printed in one piece ? Is it split so it can fit over the welds ? Thanks.

[dramsey]

As I received it, it was one piece and yes it slides up over the welds.

[Bcone1381]

I hope to have a shock strut fairing (upper and lower) that complies with Hoerner's description of the ideal shape of a low drag fairing. I am cooperating with a 3d printer. But things are busy. Maybe I'll have something by OSH....but my confidence is about 33% of that happening.