Retrofitting 1962 M20C shock discs! SB M20-139A

[Sdavis]

I am in the process of converting a 1962 Mooney M20C with the original style Fire Stone shock discs still installed. I have sourced a nose gear assembly from a 1966 Mooney with the lord discs.  I believe it has the leg assembly 540004-501, spindle 54003-501, shock link assembly 540015-1 with collar and bracket, and the retract truss 540016. 
 

The service bulletin calls for the removal of the nose gear doors and assembly, P/N 550016 and to install new doors P/N 550032. Will the original nose gear doors not work with the new assembly? Also calls for a shock absorber on the side of the nose gear spindle to be added. P/N 530028-501. Is this shock absorber needed? I seem to have read most guys remove it and the current setup does not have one. 
 

I would really appreciate any insight on this process and advice you guys have to offer. This is a new plane to me and getting to know all the workings of a Mooney! Next step is the mains but that seems less involved. I have the tools to compress the nose and main gear discs and the rigging tools. 
Thanks in advance! 
Sean. 

[Shadrach]

7 minutes ago, Sdavis said:

I am in the process of converting a 1962 Mooney M20C with the original style Fire Stone shock discs still installed. I have sourced a nose gear assembly from a 1966 Mooney with the lord discs.  I believe it has the leg assembly 540004-501, spindle 54003-501, shock link assembly 540015-1 with collar and bracket, and the retract truss 540016. 
 

The service bulletin calls for the removal of the nose gear doors and assembly, P/N 550016 and to install new doors P/N 550032. Will the original nose gear doors not work with the new assembly? Also calls for a shock absorber on the side of the nose gear spindle to be added. P/N 530028-501. Is this shock absorber needed? I seem to have read most guys remove it and the current setup does not have one. 
 

I would really appreciate any insight on this process and advice you guys have to offer. This is a new plane to me and getting to know all the workings of a Mooney! Next step is the mains but that seems less involved. I have the tools to compress the nose and main gear discs and the rigging tools. 
Thanks in advance! 
Sean. 

Mooney discontinued the shock dampener decades ago. A new truss from Mooney would not have the bosses to mount the shock. If if you wanted one, I don’t think you could procure a new one. I can’t speak to the doors. Seems odd given the discs  are housed within the truss. Perhaps the original assembly is of a lower profile than the updated version. The mains can be done using the weight of the aircraft. 

[takair]

My 1964 E did not require new doors. LASAR used to send instructions on how to install new discs with the old truss, was considered minor back in the day. I think I still have a copy floating around. 

[RLCarter]

When I purchased my E it had the old style disks, I contacted LASAR and ordered everything from them, about a 3rd the cost over going Mooney. Not sure on yours, but I’m pretty sure your existing trusses can be reused, I’ll look for the invoice, but it was basically new shock towers, new disks, I replaced all the hardware and bushings while it was off as well… spend the effort and repaint the gear while it’s apart, it’s well worth it

[Sdavis]

6 hours ago, takair said:

My 1964 E did not require new doors. LASAR used to send instructions on how to install new discs with the old truss, was considered minor back in the day. I think I still have a copy floating around. 

Good news on the doors, I believe they changed the door design in 65’. If you have a copy of that installation I would love it. Lasar quoted me over $3,000 a gear for the kits to comply with the service bulletin.  Thank you! 

[takair]

15 minutes ago, Sdavis said:

Good news on the doors, I believe they changed the door design in 65’. If you have a copy of that installation I would love it. Lasar quoted me over $3,000 a gear for the kits to comply with the service bulletin.  Thank you! 

Please send me an IM with your email and I will dig it up tonight when I get home. 

[Kelpro999]

My ‘62 did not require doors.  I was replacing the nose gear structure because of worn bushing and dented tubing. Exchanged for a rebuilt assembly from LASAR with steering stops, upgraded donuts and no shock mount.

[Sdavis]

Thank you all that replied and helped out with with advice. Takair sent a drawing over and it looks like I can reuse all all my original parts with new lord shock discs.  I will have to modify one bracket in the main gear well, that looks pretty straight forward. 

Thanks again!

Sean 

[Kelpro999]

On 12/2/2023 at 10:54 AM, Sdavis said:

I will have to modify one bracket in the main gear well, that looks pretty straight forward. 

 Do you have any any other information about main gear bracket pn 510013 reworking other than listed in service bulletin m20-161? I couldn’t find anything other than replacement with pn 510046-000 for use in ser#1940 thru 2741 listed in SB m20-130a rev.3-10-82.
 I did “rework 510013 and test with no clearance problems. Just wondering , thanks 

[Brian2034]

On 12/2/2023 at 3:24 PM, Sdavis said:

Thank you all that replied and helped out with with advice. Takair sent a drawing over and it looks like I can reuse all all my original parts with new lord shock discs.  I will have to modify one bracket in the main gear well, that looks pretty straight forward. 

Thanks again!

Sean 

Sean,

Can you give a update on your landing gear retrofit.

Thank you

Brian