Hi, I am new to the site, as I just acquired a 7AC project. I have it stripped to the metal and want to make sure all the brackets and tabs, etc are there. On the tube that runs across under the panel, there are (3) what appear to be tabs that have been cut off. Can anyone tell me if they are original, or added and then abandoned? I am not looking to restore to show, but just want to get it back close to original. Is there a drawing that shows all the detail on the Champ? What is the source for Waterbury eyelets, as called out in the plans?
Thanks for any help.
New Aeronca project owner
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PB Schafer
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New Aeronca project owner
PB Schafer
" Those who say it cannot be done, should not bother the one doing it "
" Those who say it cannot be done, should not bother the one doing it "
Re: New Aeronca project owner
PB, welcome aboard, you're gonna love this site !
(3) doesn't sound familiar, but I remember my 7AC having (2) light weight angle iron vertical tabs,
maybe +/- 6" apart welded to that tube, it was support for the thin instrument panel,
size was maybe...?? 1/2" x 1/2" x 1/16" thick, and they're about 6" lg.
Also, there should be a short (+/- 1" lg) piece of tubing welded to that tube for supporting the engine primer.
maybe someone here has a photo or dwg # for that area.
Jim
(3) doesn't sound familiar, but I remember my 7AC having (2) light weight angle iron vertical tabs,
maybe +/- 6" apart welded to that tube, it was support for the thin instrument panel,
size was maybe...?? 1/2" x 1/2" x 1/16" thick, and they're about 6" lg.
Also, there should be a short (+/- 1" lg) piece of tubing welded to that tube for supporting the engine primer.
maybe someone here has a photo or dwg # for that area.
Jim
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PB Schafer
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2010 23:46
- Contact:
Re: New Aeronca project owner
Jim, thanks for the reply. I will look at it closer in the morning. One of the cut-offs may have been the primer tube. The panel looks like some kind of a dreamed up thing. There is a back panel which is flat that the gauges are mounted in. Over this is another panel that has flanged holes where the gauges go. All of the pics I have seen so far just show a flat panel in the Champ. Is this correct?
PB Schafer
" Those who say it cannot be done, should not bother the one doing it "
" Those who say it cannot be done, should not bother the one doing it "
Re: New Aeronca project owner
yep, ...just one flat panel.
Re: New Aeronca project owner
If you are restoring an Aeronca Champ, there are two people you have to get to know. First is Todd Trainer. He has a website, but more importantly, he has a CD disc available with hundreds of original Aeronca factory drawings. When I had to manufacture a fitting or a tab for a fuselage it was so helpful to have the actual drawing and material list. It also made it easier for the 337 paperwork with an owner produced part. The second guy you have to meet is Bill Pancake. Not only does he know EVERYTHING about Champs, he just a nice guy to talk to. If you don't live too far from Cleveland, OH, you can put your 7AC fuselage in Bill's jig to check it for straightness. All of these planes have been repaired here and there over the years and most of them have acquired an occasional twist. It's better to check it first rather than find out it flies crooked later on.
Re: New Aeronca project owner
Could the three removed tabs be instrument panel mounting tabs?
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PB Schafer
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2010 23:46
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Re: New Aeronca project owner
Does anyone have a link to Todd Trainer's site?
PB Schafer
" Those who say it cannot be done, should not bother the one doing it "
" Those who say it cannot be done, should not bother the one doing it "
Re: New Aeronca project owner
Todd's is Aeronca.com
MikeB
MikeB