Tail Wheel Shim?

[Dr. Dave]

I have a 56 C-170 B with a scot tail wheel conversion. I believe it to be the 3200 model.. My problem is that the leaf springs are narrower than the bracket on the tail wheel assembly.. This allows for quite a bit of play between the spring and the bracket.. I understand that there is a U shaped shim that should be placed inside the bracket to accomodate the narrow spring.. However I haven't seen a reference to such a part in any catalogues or in the parts book.. Is this a custom made part that has to be built? If so what are the does and don'ts when having it built??
Thanks for any advice ..

Dr. Dave
(Travels with Charlie)

[zero.one.victor]

Dave,my copy of Scott Bulletin No. I-168 "installation instructions,Scott 3200 tailwheel for Cessna 120,140,& 170 Aircraft" ( copyright 1949!) shows p/n 3241-3A spacer between the leaf spring & the tailwheel bracket. My Aircraft Spruce catalog lists p/n 3241S spacer,"converts 1-3/4" bracket to 1-1/2" width". Price is about $40. They also list a spacer for a 1-1/4" leaf spring.
Good luck with it.

Eric

[Dr. Dave]

Thanks Eric.. I have the 2001-2002 Spruce catalog so I should be able to find it now. I've had a number of people tell me that I should not be flying with this much play in the bracket. I'm too inexperienced to notice the difference and it has been like this for a number of years, at least. It's surprising that nobody picked it up on the previous annual?

Thanks again,

Dave

[derf62]

Even after you receive the bracket from a supplier you may find just a bit more shimming required. I replaced the complete (all springs) and ball socket recently. Found it still had a bit of slop so I added a additional piece of alum to take up this free play.