Ian,
I also opted to not use the provided outback doors on my
360. If I had it to do over again, the outback doors would have been used.
I did learn a few things during the exercise, the most important of which is
that the cutout wing skins can be successfully used. I also was forced to
reverse my gear sides. Others are:
1. The pilot side wing depth is 5/8" narrower than the copilot
side.
2. The tires provided for the outback option are the narrowest
available. I purchased and mounted four different tires that had the potential
to be narrower but all were thicker.
3. If we could go back to the beginning when positioning the
gear geometry, a very minute toe-out setup will move the tire forward and
inboard (toward the thicker root of the wing). The additional clearance provided
is not large but is the easiest to realize without enormous effort. It is also
just enough gain to make it possible and the small toe out penalty will have no
appreciable effect on tire wear and handling.
4. Additional clearance (small) can be realized by adjusting
your donut assembly bolt to make it as long as possible (with sufficient room at
the closeout rib) before cutting your wing skins. This has the effect of moving
the tire wheel/assembly forward and inboard to the thickest part of the wing
root thereby increasing clearance.
5. Almost and 1/8" of clearance was achieved by careful
shimming, spacing and tailoring bolt lengths on the axle and brake assembly. It
was critical to not just provide tire clearance in the wheel but also room
for the caliper to slide along the two positioning shafts.
6. The caliper was more than sufficient material to be shaved
at points where contact will happen on the upper skin.
7. Both the doors and the upper wing skin need to be relieved
for maximum clearance. I reinforced with three bid on the wing skin and also
incorporated a thin heat sink where the caliper will be in close
proximity.
I am sure there are other things I have forgotten but this
exercised took place over a period of months with lots of trial and error till
everything finally worked. All of this was to the pilot side. A blind man could
handled the copilot side. I am happy with the result but if I had to do it over
again, the inboard doors from the factory would go on.
PS.... in my dreams the elimination of the factory outback door bumps make
my 360............... "1/4 mph faster"
MARK QUINN