Useful Load

[Fron802]

This is my first post to the forum, so let me begin by saying, Hello to all!

I have acquired a 1949 Sedan that I am in the early stages of restoring. I've already done much lurking and reading, and have mostly decided what mods I'd like to do as part of the restoration. One topic that I have been unable to find much mention of, however, is useful load. Which brings me to the reason for this post. I was wondering what other Sedans have for empty weights and useful loads, and what mods the Sedan owners on the forum have found to make the greatest difference in weight. I have seen several places where the useful load is listed as 880#, and yet my log books show a useful load of around 795# all the way back to 1949. All replies are appreciated.
Thanks,
Mark

[rkittine]

Aeronca's like other aircraft and us as we age, seem to always gain weight. You can look at what the type certificate says, but I would suggest when you get the plane restored, you weigh it. We all tend to go over board in what we put in our little birds and it is very easy to go over legal weight. What someone elses Sedan weights also could be very far off what yours will way.

Bob

[Fron802]

Thanks Bob, for the reply. I have every intention of weighing the plane, as it is required by the FAA. I was mostly just looking for insights that will help me avoid building an unnecessarily heavy aircraft, and possibly find some mods that are good weight shavers.
Some are obvious, like installing a lightweight starter, battery, etc., or swapping out the 8 pound radio from 1964. Some might not be so obvious, and since this is my first restoration, it seemed wise to seek the wisdom of others.
Thanks again,
Mark

[Fron802]

Thanks Bob, for the reply. I have every intention of weighing the plane, as it is required by the FAA. I was mostly just looking for insights that will help me avoid building an unnecessarily heavy aircraft, and possibly find some mods that are good weight shavers.
Some are obvious, like installing a lightweight starter, battery, etc., or swapping out the 8 pound radio from 1964. Some might not be so obvious, and since this is my first restoration, it seemed wise to seek the wisdom of others.
Thanks again,
Mark

[rkittine]

I am on Straight Floats and have stripped everything that can cause weight. Less carpet and insulation, Bender Compact Radio and Transponder etc. All the Whistles and Frills add weight. My weight will not help being on floats. Makes a great two place airplane rather than a marginal one.

[Fron802]

Bob,
Is that your rig that's for sale at Argyle?
Looks a lot like your avatar.

[rkittine]

That's it. I actually did not own it, but was partners (non-equity) with Don who does own it. Let me know if you want to know anything about the plane.

My Avatar is actually of the Chief that I owned with Don for over 6 years. The Sedan was build by the same group at the same time and are painted the same, the only difference being that one is named Adirondack Sedan and the other Adirondack Chief.

For some reason I still can not upload files on this site or I would show them both.

Bob

[Fron802]

Bob,
Ask Don if he'll sell the floats separately.

[rkittine]

I talked with Don this morning (he is in London this week). He wants to hold onto the floats in case the plane does not sell as if that is the case, then He and I will again put it in the water this Spring as partners. If he gets someone really interested in the plane without the floats, he will let me know and I will contact you.

You can send me your contact information at: rkittine@aol.com 631-374-9652

Bob

[Akaviator]

My plane with 29-1100-x10 mains and Baby Bushwheel tailwheel is 1260.2 empty.