Cape horn windvane on" Leoma's" worm stering

[Jim Walsh]

That failure might best be described as a lucky break.
I would go with a piece of bent aluminum at least 1/8” thicker than the mild steel it is replacing to keep the strength approximately the same.

[JD-MDR]

Thanks Jim. There seems to be a type of seal or bearing and the steel bracket is epoxied to the FRP tube. I should have removed the silicon tape for the photo. I might need to get some help

[JD-MDR]

I decided to clean all the 40 year old grease off the worm gear and make a mock up of the bracket I will have made out of 1/2" aluminum. I don't think the bracket needs the side braces they are just holding my pattern together. I don't think it would hurt to use them. Jim suggested I bend aluminum. Can they bend 1/2" thick? They will weld the 2" collar for the rudder tube maybe I should just weld the angle also. One of my Home Improvements clients is kind of a rocket scientist. He has a very busy machine shop for aerospace stuff. I wonder if It would be stupid for me to ask him to clean the gear up like new. I don't think its that critical . Maybe I shouldn't waste his time. I'm sure he doesn't do small jobs. Your input is appreciated.

[Jim Walsh]

Bending 1/2” would take a pro. Cutting and welding would be easy for someone certified for Aerospace components. Anyone with a varsol tank can clean your gear in a few minutes without harming the metal.

[JD-MDR]

P.S. Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays

[JD-MDR]

Got lucky again. Material $25. I found someone to weld it for $60.Amazing the price range .One guy wanted $250 but wouldn't cut it or bore the hole. Another supplier wanted $100 just to cut the plate. I cut it with a skill saw and a carbide blade. I did it in 3 or 4 passes though. I'm posting the before photo again. I wasn't able to replace that bearing or seal. I think that has to be done with the rudder out.