Bungee cords

[Larry DeCamp]

I employed an alternative to the expensive rings purchased from commercial vendors. It is much safer than using a high leverge tool that can launch things across the hanger when things go wrong.

The original drawings ( Rose) called for 5/8" bungee material.  Since there are no drawings for the bungee fairing, I fabricated them to clear 5/8" diameter cord.  The mil spec material arrived about 3/4" diameter and was so stiff it bowed in route between steel pegs in the gear.  My fairings would not go on.

I solved the problem with 1/2" bungee and more wraps . I saw Ed Sweat's ship that used many wraps of about 1/4" or 3/8" cord, and that was really smart !

The original plans call for some kind of twine wrapped around the ends of the bungee to form a loop to hook on the pegs.  Superior Bungee advised the cord should be stretched ( both pieces) about 50% before binding so the cord won't pull out under load.  This would require a really crafty tool and some time. So, I used PEX tubing copper crush rings and pliers ( sort of like a cable fastener to secure the ends of the bungee.  Nothing more than hand strength required to preload the bungee as you wrap pegs !!!!  If interested, I can provide more detail.


Larry

[Don Staats]

Larry, I would like a little more detail.  My bungees have been on since and I would like to replace them at this or the next annual.  I see Pex advertised for $12 or so.  What kind of copper crush rings did you use and where can you get them?   Don Staats

[Larry DeCamp]

Don,
I used 3/4" Pex copper rings from Menards on my 1/2" ( 5/8 OD ) bungee from superior. You could machine speacial rings from aluminum or copper ( my original plan ) but I discovered the Pex ring was the proper size.

 Each side of the telescoping strut had eight strands ( 4 front and four back) plus one strand that crosses from left side to right.  Then I added 4 more strands to the forward side where the fairing is larger to accomodate the additional cord.  I sent a sketch to   Dan Rhinehart.  I will dig it out and send you an e-mail attachment.
Larry