New Toy

[rkittine]

Looks like I have purchased my first Pre-War Aeronca, a 65-CA Chief with a C-85. Next, will be flying it back home, some 1,200 miles. I have owned and flown a post war 11AC, but never flown a Pre-War except for 30 minutes this week. Anyone out there have any pointers about these planes? It has a 12 gallon nose tank and an 8 gallon aux tank. First Aeronca I have seen with a Manifold Pressure guage too.

It will be going on a set of EDO 1320s.

Ciao

[cmacveigh]

My first plane was a '39 65C. I think you're going to be very happy with your new toy!!!

I don't mean to start any wars of BS here, but the PreWars fly better than the Post Wars. They use a Clark Y airfoil.

With an 85, it must be a hoot with no floats. Please let us know what kind of climb and cruise you get with and without floats.

Enjoy!!!!
Craig

[rkittine]

Will do Craig. Bill told me the same thing about the Pre-Wars. I owned a Post War on 1400s with the Don's Dream Machine C-85 / 0-200 Parts conversion and it was a good performer. J.J. and Bill told me to expect better performance with a C-85 on the 1320s.

I did not have a GPS with me when I test flew it on wheels, so I do not know how accurate the Airspeed indicator is, but it showed 100 mph at 75% power cruise and it has a seaplane prop on it, so I think it is reading high. If the offer is accepted or a final price reached, I will let you know as I will need to fly it 1200 miles to get it home.

[Dan Wagner]

You will like it. My first 10 hours were in a CA with a C-85 on 1320 floats. Irv Woodhams at Austin Lake converted quite a few to the C-85. Irv al ways flew by manifold pressure. It took me a while to figure out that when he told me to run the engine at 24 He wanted 24" of manifold pressure not 2400 RPM.

Dan Wagner

[rkittine]

Thanks Dan, I was wondering why there was a manifold Pressure guage in the airplane as I am not used to seeing them on aircraft without Variable Pitcvh Props, so I will have to remember the 24" Number.

How did the plane perform weight wise? I am hoping to be able to carry myself (190 Dressed) and another my size and at least the 12 gallons of fuel in the nose tank.

Regards, Bob

[Dan Wagner]

Bob

It will out perform anything in its class. You should have no problems 12 gallons of fuel and two @ 190#. Legal is another thing. Gross is 1320#.

Manifold pressure is power. I believe 24" equals 75% power.

Dan Wagner