Eagler's Nest

General Category => Builders logs => Topic started by: westok on July 28, 2026, 11:26:19 AM

Title: Legal Eagle Ultralight Build
Post by: westok on July 28, 2026, 11:26:19 AM: This is my first post, though, I have been lurking for quite a while. I finally decided to build a Legal Eagle (original) and began on Mar 2, 2026. Both wings are completed to the point of leading edge plywood and covering. The tail is done and my fuel tank is clecoed awaiting final riveting and Pro-Seal. I just got my oxy-acetylene tanks today. Anxious to start practicing. I returned from Airventure a few days ago. It was nice finally meeting Leonard and celebrating his 102nd birthday.
I have not posted sooner since I have found answers to most of my questions here on this site. I will try to post some pictures in the next few days.
Title: Re: Legal Eagle Ultralight Build
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on July 29, 2026, 04:43:46 AM: Attaboy.. :)
Title: Re: Legal Eagle Ultralight Build
Post by: westok on July 31, 2026, 09:30:37 AM: Photos of the project, so far .Hope this works.
Title: Re: Legal Eagle Ultralight Build
Post by: pappyadkins on July 31, 2026, 10:30:09 AM: Very nice...
Title: Re: Legal Eagle Ultralight Build
Post by: Brock on August 01, 2026, 08:20:13 AM: Yes, very nice.
What aluminum are you using on the tank and what thickness? Will you be sealing with Pro-Seal?
Title: Re: Legal Eagle Ultralight Build
Post by: Sfcmarkc on August 01, 2026, 08:51:28 AM: Nice, I'm just getting started myself and am moving much slower than you are.
Title: Re: Legal Eagle Ultralight Build
Post by: Kamcoman77 on August 01, 2026, 05:36:08 PM: Welcome to the Forum! Happy to hear you have been getting a lot of questions answered here. Your work is looking very nice. Hope you don't run into too many snags. When you build your fuselage, I suggest you incorporate the XL type wing mounts. This will make installing the wings so much easier than the single bolt method. Here are photos of how one LEU builder did it.
Title: Re: Legal Eagle Ultralight Build
Post by: westok on August 01, 2026, 05:46:18 PM: Quote from: Brock on August 01, 2026, 08:20:13 AM
Yes, very nice.
What aluminum are you using on the tank and what thickness? Will you be sealing with Pro-Seal?
I am using .032" 5052-H32. It is just under 5 gal. I plan on using ProSeal, trying to put that off as long as possible. ;)
Title: Re: Legal Eagle Ultralight Build
Post by: westok on August 01, 2026, 05:48:17 PM: Quote from: Kamcoman77 on August 01, 2026, 05:36:08 PM
Welcome to the Forum! Happy to hear you have been getting a lot of questions answered here. Your work is looking very nice. Hope you don't run into too many snags. When you build your fuselage, I suggest you incorporate the XL type wing mounts. This will make installing the wings so much easier than the single bolt method. Here are photos of how one LEU builder did it.
Thanks for the info! I appreciate that.
Title: Re: Legal Eagle Ultralight Build
Post by: westok on August 02, 2026, 05:39:55 AM: Quote from: Sfcmarkc on August 01, 2026, 08:51:28 AM
Nice, I'm just getting started myself and am moving much slower than you are.
Glad you started! It took quite a while for me to bite the bullet. I'm retired, so when I am not playing chauffeur for the grand kids, I am down working in the shop until it gets too hot.
Title: Re: Legal Eagle Ultralight Build
Post by: westok on August 13, 2026, 05:50:43 PM: I built my seat today. Took about 2 1/2 hours. Thanks to David Adkins for the idea. The thought of cutting those strips out with my arthritic hands was too much. I decided to drill holes instead. Made a template on QCAD.
Title: Re: Legal Eagle Ultralight Build
Post by: westok on October 15, 2026, 05:18:44 PM: I ordered tubing right after AirVenture this year. I was able to roll the fuselage out on its gear. Feels good.