Going Solo. . .

[AV8ERZ]

Hi Everybody:)
I wanted to let you all know I am going solo finishing my dad's 11CC Chief. My dad passed away Dec 26th. I would greatly appreciate if you all tip a wing while your up there to a great aviator that just to just fly

Also, I have a few questions and many more will arise but the plane goes in for paint on the 21st of this month but beforehand, I am requesting some information?!
I am currently assembling the aircraft, installing all components and making any final fitting modifications so after paint it will all go back together like an after annual inspection!
Questions:
I am curious if anybody has put any type of seal or barrier under the boot cowl atop the firewall? This aircraft never had such a seal when we purchased it and neither does the Champ that I fly have one but I was curious if any of you have such a seal on your bird?

After the boot cowl is installed, there is a gap around the filler neck of the fuel tank, is there any plug (not sure the phraseology) that goes there and if so, where could I get one?

Dzus fasteners on the boot cowl? The current ones are completely worn out, and one of the wires is broken. My AI advised me to eliminate them and go with anchor nuts? I Fly an Ag-plane for a living, the Dzus fasteners always fail, and we replaced all of them on the 188 I am currently flying so I am all for it, but I wanted to hear what you Aeronca owners think? Anything to improve both safety and ease of operation is alright by me!

Well, that is it for now, but there WILL be more to come, just wanted to warn you!

Thanks for everybody's help here, N4441E will be airborne the end of this month, I want you all to know, it would not have been possible without the wonderful friends on this site

Michael.

[rkittine]

So sorry Michael. I will tip a wing on my next flight. All the best. Bob

[EDGEFLY]

Michael,

I have an 11AC which has a seal of sorts around the main tank filler neck. It fits tightly around the filler neck and under the cowl. The material is some kind of "rubberized" thing which is probably 3/16 " thick. I looked through my service manual but couldn't find it in any of the drawings referenced there. I suspect its ' function is simply to keep trash from gathering around the tank itself. It is probably one of those common parts also used on the slower speed machines......(I think they were called Champs ?)
Maybe someone will be able to help more with this.

The Dzus debate has been chewed over many times on this forum. I'm sure you can find the topic thru the Search function. I would like to replace the Dzus fasteners on my aircraft not for failure problems but because they are a major source of paint chipping. There are wing-nut substitutes but there is some question if they would pass the "replace original parts" test.

Dale

[james gevay]

I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad Michael, the next time I'm flying I'll think about him.

I believe the usual material glued on the firewall flange is called cowl chafe cloth. It's about 1" wide and maybe 1/8" thick.
Look here for the Aircraft Spruce link, http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/ap/ ... feseal.php

Yes there is a rubber seal around the fuel filler neck. I don't remember who makes the good one. I've heard years ago that WAG Aero sells one but it's not so good, they've been called a plumbing supply part, sorry I don't have any personal experience with it.
The only Dzus that come to mind on my Champ are the ones on the top cowl. Just for myself, I would stick to Dzus where they were originally placed. I don't have any problem with them and I don't think they would wear out, your Chief won't be flown like a daily working plane. You may do something else that works for you though.

[MikeB]

Hi,
For the fuel tank grommet try this number(R82873) from your friendly FAA certified John Deere dealer.
My understanding it wil fit around the neck and in the cowl opening but may require a small amount of 'modification'. I used a grommet from the plumbing shop that fits under the toilet tank (no jokes here) but it doesn't have the nice rounded fit like the original grommet. Whatever you use make sure it doesn't fit so tight under the cap that it blocks the vents in the cap.

Mike

[AV8ERZ]

Hello all!
Thank you for the kind support for the loss of my dad, it really means a lot to me. He lived a very large part of aviation from military to being part of the team that almost started "Coastal Airlines", to fighting fires flying the infamous TBM's for Sonora Flying Service, to owning and flying Ag-Aero Service, where he was crop dusting. Over 15,000 flight hours and through ups and downs along the way, he always brought back a smile and a good story as a true aviator would He is sorely missed.

So today, with help from some great friends, I was able get the wings on the Chief and am currently making sure everything fits and labeling it all prior to disassembly and paint which is scheduled for Jan 21. Thanks, to those above that provided me with the helpful info and tips as they have come in handy and there will be more questions following as the next few days pass by!

Attached is a photo of how she looks so far, it was a very cold Northern California day today, but I am happy with the progress thus-far and am excited for what Tomorrow will bring, hopefully easy assembly and fitting?! Please ask any questions you may have?

Thanks again,

Michael