Metalized Chief or Champ?

[n1269k]

Has anyone metalized a Chief or Champ?
If so,
How did they do it?
How much weight did it add to the fuselage? wings?
Any pictures?
Thanks
Terry

[james gevay]

Please don't do it.
Metalizing will destroy the lines and looks of the plane. It will be a squared off and boxy looking thing.
The metal will never follow the graceful curves that give the plane it's character.
But thats just my opinion.

[joea]

I have photos of one somewhere around here. Jim is correct, it just does not look right IMHO...

[Mnflyer]

Hi Terry, not trying to be smart but with Dacron covering systems that will last 30 to 40 years maybe longer why would you want to metalize a an Aeronca type aircraft or for that matter any fabric covered aircraft.
Of the different airplanes that I can think of that have been metalized Piper Tripacer Stinson's even the Cessna 120 & 140's none have been improved by metalizing. I know of guys that are removing the metal from Cessna wings and going back to fabric.
Back when Grade A cotton and dope was the norm and many airplanes were left outside year around metalizing sounded good, but most times it made the plane heavier and didn't look very well.
Just my $.02, but am curious.

[n1269k]

Joe,
I would like to see the pictures.
I have most parts for a Chief fuselage and am thinking of building an
experimental look-a-like. Or maybe sell the parts and move on.
Thanks
Terry

[Jerry Eichenberger]

You can't metalize over wood.

So, you'd have to buy new wings with metal spars, and get some sort of approval to delete the wood in the fuselage.

[joea]

Terry,

Here you go! This is courtesy of Brian Safran in Ohio, who found this airplane on the ramp somewhere. Believe that it was in Las Vegas but do not have any futher info on it.

Joe A

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EDIT, as you can tell (especially by looking at the cowl and exhaust pipes) this is no where near a normal Champ. Would love to get a closer look at the airplane and chat with the person who did the mod. Would really as well like to see the approval paperwork!

[joea]

N-number : N1025E
Aircraft Serial Number : 7AC-4576
Aircraft Manufacturer : AERONCA
Model : 7DC
Engine Manufacturer : CONT MOTOR
Model : A&C65 SERIES
Aircraft Year : 1946
Owner Name : RATZIN BRENDAN
Owner Address : 1212 COACH LN
LAS VEGAS, NV, 89101-1534
Type of Owner : Individual
Registration Date : 01-Dec-1998
Airworthiness Certificate Type : Standard
Approved Operations : Normal

[marklamon]

Wow, no sliding or opening window onthe left side. I hope it has air conditioning! Maybe it does with those louvers in the cowl. Note the Citabria windshield and Decathalon style fresh air vents on the boot cowl.

[joea]

Wow, no sliding or opening window onthe left side. I hope it has air conditioning!

Especially in Las Vegas in the summer!

[marklamon]

Joea, Now that I look at it closer I think it does have A/C. Note the left side of the cowling, see the round hole beneath the louvers. Must be were the exhaust comes out of the A.P.U.

[Mikek]

Joe A

Would love to get a closer look at the airplane and chat with the person who did the mod. Would really as well like to see the approval paperwork!

Afew bucks the FAA would give you what they have on it.

Mike K

[joea]

Joe A

Would love to get a closer look at the airplane and chat with the person who did the mod. Would really as well like to see the approval paperwork!

Afew bucks the FAA would give you what they have on it.

Mike K

Mike,

Thought about that but I do not need it THAT bad! After all its a Champ. Now if it was a Chief, then thats a totally different matter! (turn about is fair play! )

Joe A