making cables

[RMASS]

Guys my 7AC had 3/16 cables thru out (rudder ailerons elevator) except the trim tab 1/16. discussion was it is not correct--we are making new what is the correct size 1/8"? 7x19 and the best place to buy bulk? Also the correct length between the rudder pedals--one is about 3" longer than the other. Any difference as long as 7x19 ( aviation vs commercial) As said before it has been mistreated. Thanks Ron

[Paul Agaliotis]

Ron,
The best place to check would be with the cable manufacturers. Stay away from the Chinese stuff. Sometimes surplus houses have partial spools for sale.
Galvanized cable is stronger than Stainless but corrosion prone and requires cable lubrication. Stainless is better for the corrosion aspect and is not supposed to be lubed.
Some of the older aviation cable had a string wound into the cable for identification. This was stopped because the string acted as a wick and brought the fluid into the center of the cable.
Check all of your pulleys for condition, the tension on the cables can be tough on them.
Paul

[RMASS]

Paul, thanks I found an sling maker here that has 1/8" 7x19 strand 2000 # cable at a good price. question 1/8" all around? The only palce mine had 1/2 was fromthe aileron pull to the turn buckle along the door post up. Every thing else is 3/16. Probably cause that is what he duster place had on hand. Ron

[RMASS]

still need to know if 1/8" cables are correct size. I will measured all lengths nad remake but don't think the 3/16" is right?? Thanks Ron

[Rich Valler]

Ron
FWIW I noticed that in section VI Charts (pdf page 40 of 49) of the L16B service manual it identifies both elevator cables and both rudder cables as 1/8" and the elevator trim tab cable as 1/16". No mention of aileron cables, although it seems there may be a page (38?) missing in this copy:

http://www.pj260.com/Manuals/L16maintenance.pdf

Hope that helps
Rich

[rkittine]

I am certainly no expert on this, but when I purchased my Champ there was an AD on the cables that had not been done. This was due to some replacement cables being supplied that were supposedly the wrong dimensions. So if you check the AD list, you should find this AD along with the correct cable sizes.

[Dennis]

I used 1/8 by 7x19 all around except trim. 7x19 is the most flexable of the cables. It will give you the best bend around the thimble. Don't forget to use three crimps on the compression sleeve.

Dennis

[RMASS]

Thanks, we thought that was right and that is what I am going to use 7x19 1/8. it has 3/16 everywhere and we guessed that is what the crop duster place had on had so they used it. bigger is better . I used the diagram above and will get the measurments and start making them. getting closer to being a normal flying airplane again. thanks for whoever put the "how to remove a prop on a tappered shaft on" that is the next thing I am going to do andstart putting a starter/alt on. much safer!! thanks again Ron--- for all you in the south come visit.

[jepropst]

Ron, when replacing parts on your Champ, I would recommend that you review the part drawing for the correct specifications. One way to do this is to find the part number in Wag, Univair, or other catelogs. The part number is also the Aeronca drawing number. For example, for a 7AC the elevator down cable is part number is 2-686. If you review Aeronca drawing 2-686 you will find specifications for the cable (1/8-7X19X145 spec AN-RR-C-43) as well as cable dimensions and specs for the turnbuckles, etc.
If you do not have the Aeronca drawings you may want to consider ordering a DVD from Todd Trainor on Aeronca.com.

[RMASS]

John, I have the drawing of the plane and can get part nos. However where are you getting the drawing for each individual part (aeronca drawing 2-686)? Is that on the CD, it is not on the drawing I have. Thanks Ron

[jepropst]

Go to www.aeronca.com and then click on the "museum store" tab. Todd has a DVD with the drawings for sale. He also usually has them on Ebay. NAA board members can also typically help out forum members with specific drawing needs. There is a wealth of information that can be found on the drawings.
Also, be aware that although Aeronca published the service manuals there are a number of mistakes in them and cross checking requirements with the Aeronca drawings can usually resolve technical issues.