Giant P-51D Mustang (TOPA0400)
Tech Notice

Note #1:
If you wish to install gear doors on your model's retracts, please refer to the following instructions. Click on an image for a larger view.

1. Thread two 2-56 Pivot Balls (GPMQ3841) into each retract.

2. Make a pivot rod from two pieces of 2-56 Threaded Rod (GPMQ3750) and a Coupling sleeve (GPMQ4020). Make a 90 bend just above the threads on two rods. Cut the rods so that the nylon Pivot Ball Sockets (included with the pivot ball) are the correct distance apart. Solder the coupling sleeve connecting the two rods. Cut the threaded end of the rods so that the center of the pivot socket is approximately 1/2" from the bend. Thread the nylon pivot ball sockets onto both ends of the pivot rod.

3. Because of the curve of the wing LE, the gear doors need to be bent to match the wing. Wet the gear doors and bend them around a jig that matches the curve of the wing. Use clamps to hold the gear doors around the clamp until the doors dry.

4. At the hinged end of the retract doors, glue a piece of 1/8" plywood across the end. Also glue a piece of plywood to the retract cover. Cut a slot for the Pinned Hinge (GPMQ3970) in the retract door and the retract cover. Install the retract cover on the wing and glue the hinge in the gear door and cover making sure the door aligns with the cutout in the wing.

5. With the retract cover and gear door removed, retract the landing gear and mark on the wing where the pivot rod crosses the retract. Also mark where the pivot socket attaches to the gear.

6. Reinstall the gear door and cover. Mark the location of the pivot rod and pivot sockets on the gear door using the marks drawn in step 5.

7. Remove the gear door/cover and the pivot rod from the landing gear. Transfer the marks to the inside of the gear door. Place the pivot rod on the gear door using the marks to align it. Set two nylon Landing Gear Straps (GPMQ4252) over the coupling sleeve and mark the mounting holes.

8. Drill 1/8" holes at the marks for the mounting holes. Attach the landing gear straps to the inside of the gear doors with #4 flat head sheet metal screws installed from the outside of the gear door.

9. Reinstall the gear door/cover and attach the pivot sockets to the landing gear.

Note #2:

Page 37 step 4 of the manual says: "The back of the spinner should be spaced 7-7/8" from the firewall no matter what mounting method is used."

This should actually say: "The back of the spinner should be spaced 8-1/8" from the firewall no matter what mounting method is used."

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