Bob E

If you're referring to my post: No, if you source them from the site I linked to, they're just bare wire leads. I added a plug.

Five years later those supplementary LEDs I describe in my post above are still working great! They dim right along with the incandescents, and now we have multiple dimmable red spotlights. Can't imagine flying at night without them. Here's a good place to get them cheap: https://www.frightprops.com/lighting/led-lighting-darklight/nano-spot-mini-spotlights/nano-spot-miniature-spotlights.html

A step works great in the hangar. I used one for years. But seriously: Once the aircraft is outside, to use it before startup or after shutdown, you have to have outside assistance.

I have the flight enhancement step and am very happy with it. I removed the vaccum system several years ago and lashed the step in the retracted position; just didn't seem right so I finally sprung for the electric step. It's very lightweight, but sturdy and well-made. Many people have it hooked up to the beacon wire; I decided to install a toggle switch on the panel, matching the avionics master right next to it. That way it's kind of like the electric window control in a car (works only when the master is on). Here's a photo of the interior view. Outside it just looks like a normal Mooney step.

Being a Buckeye, when I was breaking in my new engine I decided, why not do it with a little style? SCRIPT OHIO:

Hank, see my Aug. 27 post. That cheap bag of tire talc is enough to supply an entire GA airport for about 10 years!

That photo is of the nose wheel. All nose wheels on Mooneys of our vintage have bent metal stems (AFAIK). The correct tube is a TR67A, a 500x5 tube. The TR87 is the short-stem version.

From the M20C Type Certificate (Aircraft Specifiation No. 2A3, Revision 52, Dec. 9, 2010). And there you have it.

IMHO very few mechanics, even Mooney mechanics, take notice of this issue. In years past, before I discovered bent stems and just let the shops maintain the aircraft (Clyde Wittenbrook for those who recognize the name), they did excellent work but nonetheless it was impossible to install the straight-stem tubes specified without bending - and straining - the stems. (Photo) So after switching to bent stems, before I started mounting tires myself, I didn't realize that the bent stem, when installed properly, does not touch the rim. The shop guys (usually assistants) who do the installation don't realize it either. If they were willing to install straight stems that look like the photo and not raise questions, then they definitely won't notice if a bent stem touches the rim.

If it does, it's installed incorrectly. One advantage of DIY is that you can position the valve precisely as it should be, which is NOT pressing against the hub.

I've owned my '65 M20C for almost 40 years. Straight-stem tubes resulted in numerous flat tires, often on landing. About 20 years ago I switched to 90 degree bent stem tubes on both nose and main gears and have had zero problems since. Specs that work for me: Nose gear tube: Aero Classic Leak-Guard Tube 500 x 5 90 deg stem, part # 06-00755: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/lgpages/leakguard_06-00755.php Main gear tubes: Aero Classic Tube 600-6.5, part # GL-6067N: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/lgpages/aero_tube_600_6_67a.php If you want to change the tires and tubes yourself, I recommend Harbor Freight's mini tire changer: https://www.harborfreight.com/mini-tire-changer-58920.html. Very easy to use. You'll need tire talc. Don't use baby powder; it's now corn starch and has no talcum powder. Amazon has the correct stuff: https://www.amazon.com/mGanna-Natural-Make-up-Cosmetic-formulations/dp/B0BM4PKJ8K/ BTW most people recommend getting new tubes with each tire change. I agree, but frankly the old tubes fit so well they are perfectly serviceable, so I save them and keep one of each (nose and main) in the baggage area as spares. They weigh almost nothing. If I have to replace a tube, I'll take a used bent-stem over a new straight-stem any day.

That would be me. Thanks for the info!