1940 65-LA Windshield Problem

[Dan1940Chief]

I live about 40 minutes from LP Aero in Jeanette, PA. My son dropped the old windshield off for me the other day and George the manager said, "This isn't what I was expecting..."

I called George for clarification -- apparently they don't have a form, etc in stock for that model (1940 65-LA Chief). My A&P called Cee Bailey and they told him to "Call LP Aero..."

So the old w/s is out (cracked good, too now. There was a 2" hairline crack along the passenger side bend and upon removal became a 12" crack).

Is there a drawing available?

Anyone else familiar with replacing this w/s? Help!?

[Paul Agaliotis]

Dan,
Is it a two piece windshield? I thought that LP had a windshield for the CA that should fit.
Paul

[Dan1940Chief]

Dan,
Is it a two piece windshield? I thought that LP had a windshield for the CA that should fit.
Paul

Nope -- LP Aero said "What is this?"

It is a one piece windshield with a greenhouse up top.

[Paul Agaliotis]

Dan,
This could be manufactured from another windshield. My Rearwin had a cut down Cessna windshield because nobody made a specific one. This may be your case.
Both LP and Cee Bailey show a listing for the Super Chief windshield and you may end up modifying your airframe. There are some repairs that can be made to glazings should you decide to reuse the original.
Paul

[Paul Agaliotis]

Dan,
I purchased a windshield for mt Tandem from Great Lakes. It might be worth a call to them. I was satisfied with the product I received from them.
http://www.glapinc.com/estore/index.php
Paul

[Rodney Zapf]

I replaced the windshield on my 1941 LB Chief. It took a fair amount of trimming and fitting, but finally got it and it looks great. Shouldn't be too much different than your '40. I will check my receipts for an address. Rod Zapf

[Captgrumps]

Most prewar Chiefs now have one piece windshield modified from another Aeronca windshield- The original pre war was two piece and about a thin .080 thick that I had way back in the early 1950's that I had on my 65CA. The logs did not indicate that it was ever replaced after leaving the factory.

Doug

[Rodney Zapf]

I purchased my '41 chief in a basket. It had not flown since 1960, had a slight accident and was torn apart. I replaced the windshield but would have sworn the original was a one peice--could be wrong, I started my restoration over 20 years ago and the windshield was one of the first items I purchased. What you have said about the two peice makes sense. I'm not sure they had the capability of making the one peice w/s as we know it today, back in 1941. Rod

[Dan1940Chief]

My 1940 65-LA has a small greenhouse piece up top separated by a wood bar from the main windshield.

I just talked to great lakes and the guy I talked to there said it could be one of 3 different designs.

My A&P is heading up to LP Aero later this week to work with them on fashioning a new screen. Hopefully they can do it!!

[Dan1940Chief]

I should close out this thread since LP Aero was able to fabricate a replacement one-piece windshield. It looks amazing -- clear with no distortion!

I'm very happy with the windshield!!

[Rodney Zapf]

Hi Dan, getting parts is for the old chiefs is really tough. Might be cheaper to have them hand made. Rod

[Dan1940Chief]

Hi Dan, getting parts is for the old chiefs is really tough. Might be cheaper to have them hand made. Rod

Rod -- I tried making the pushrod tubes seals but just couldn't shape it right.

[Clyder]

I'm restoring a Chief that was manufactured in '39, delivered in Jan '40. It was originally a C-50, according to the logs. Many years ago my brother built a form that was used to fabricate a new windshield for a '39 Chief and I have the form. I need to get another windshield for my project but if it is the same windshield, perhaps we can get two made at the same time??? (I live in N. PA) Clyde

[Dan1940Chief]

I'm restoring a Chief that was manufactured in '39, delivered in Jan '40. It was originally a C-50, according to the logs. Many years ago my brother built a form that was used to fabricate a new windshield for a '39 Chief and I have the form. I need to get another windshield for my project but if it is the same windshield, perhaps we can get two made at the same time??? (I live in N. PA) Clyde

Clyde,

We pulled the old windscreen and used it as a template. LP Aero has the form -- may be close to what you need?

Where are you in PA? I'm in Lancaster county now -- airplane's still in Western PA (still need pushrod tube seals).

What is your source for parts?

[Clyder]

Good! I'll check with that company to see what they can do for me. Pushrod seals for a C65? I'll look tomorrow to see what I have. I'm in Bradford County near the NY border at 0PA3 Robbins Farm Airport in Troy Township.