Top 10 want list

[Nathan K. Hammond]

We kind of got side tracked, and I don't want this to slip away. WagAero asked for a "Top 10 List" of parts that are needed and/or not readily availible. They're looking at keeping Aeronca Champ and Chief flying for a long while, but need to know what parts are scares or a 'must have.'. So calling all Aeronca Drivers!!! get a list of what you need or feel needs to be needed (?????).

nkh

[Jon B.]

It would be a bonus if less expensive windshields were available. Mine's OK but if and when I replace it, I certainly won't use a Citabria screen.

Is it due to the 'bubble' aspect of the Champ screen? They're pushing $500, I think. Ouch!

Fuel valves and mag switches come to mind. Switches may be available but the valves are not. The 'new' ones for my 7EC may be available; I haven't checked. The Champion FC and EC don't have a nose tank, so they *may* have a different valve than the Aeroncas.

Jon B.

[Dennis]

I bought one of the $500 wind screens at Oshkosh three years ago. At that time it was about $400 and the Citabria was about $150 give or take. I asked the rep about the significant difference in price. HE SAID it was because the bubble was hard to form....that it may take them several trys to get it right. Hence the higher price.

What really got me, was that the windscreen had to be shipped "freight" rather than UPS, another $150. When I received it, the shipping box was only a few inches outside the UPS parameters. I sold the old citabria windscreen and shipped it UPS by cutting off a little of the same box.

Dennis

[MikeB]

I wouldn't necessarily put these on a list of not available, but guess there is some backlog at Wag Aero at time. Anyway, some ideas : lift struts, spars, control cables, engine baffle sets (and parts), wing fairings, oleo parts, fuel tank kits, brake cables (and housings) throttle cables, cowling part (upper, lower, etc.) Like I said, these are often available, but we waited two months or so for a boot cowl kit. Some of these, (cowling parts) may be be 'home' manufactured, of course. Others may differ, but my experience with Wag has been fine. Never had a problem, including returning some wrong parts that were ordered.

Regarding the bubble windshield, as someone mentioned and I found out, it does seem to form a spot on the bubble right where you look when it rains. You can tell a 'bubble' windshield flyer as he's always leaning to the right or left .

[Mark Lipp]

I would definitely like to see some vendor carry the medallions that are put on the center of the control yokes. I know they are decorative rather than functional, but they make the yokes look a lot better. I have been trying to find two for my 1946 11AC and have not been successful.

Mark

[joea]

Mark,

The NAA is working with a vendor to try to get these old control hub covers made. Not sure of a time frame but will put a post here when we finally get things worked out.

I know what you are going through in your search. I paid over $100 each about a year ago when someone sold some NOS (new old stock) wheel covers that were immaculate on Ebay. The number of bids and people bidding on them was something that showed us that we needed to find a way to make them.

Anything else you are needing? Please post here and lets pass it along to Wag.

Joe

[Mark Lipp]

I think we are pretty much covered. We have been able to find what we need from WagAero and from a few other vendors. The yoke medallions are one of the last things we needed.

Thanks.

Mark

[Jerry]

I know they can't make parts for the mech. goodyear brake's but that would sure be sweet!!

[joea]

Jerry,

What are you looking for? Brake clips, rotors, pads?

The issue here is liability. Control wheel covers or hubcaps are low risk items but if a brake clip comes out, the brake rotor gets cocked and the airplane goes on its nose or back, then the lawyers and FAA will start circling.

Outside people feel comfortable making the low risk items but very few will feel the same about the other parts. Getting Goodyear to make more would be almost impossible IMHO as they would not make any real money off of it and their lawyers would nix it due to liability risks.

[Nathan K. Hammond]

A new fuselage would be nice. Seriously, have you seen how many people make a J-3/PA-18 fuselage. There's no telling how many times a 60 year old Fuselage has been abused. When it comes time for a rebuild/recover, brand new 4130 would be a fairly good peice-of-mind! IMO

A tack welded version would be great too and would be cheaper, although that would be experimental or an "owner/operator produced part."

I guess they could make a chief fuselage too, those guys seem to bend them a bit more often.

nkh

[Captgrumps]

Nathan--

You didn't prop that Chief at Blakesburg did you?

Doug

[Nathan K. Hammond]

Not me! What happened? I saw Brent and Ben start screamin and hollarin, then jump on the 4 wheellers and go screaming through the crowd and airplanes, but never heard what was going on.

nkh

[Captgrumps]

Guy hand propped a Chief--got away and prop walked down the wing of L-2 and hit wing tip of Pacer. Guy with L-2 over beer said if he gets me a new wing everything is OK.. Chief is looking for new prop. Atleast that is what the elfs told me. Other than that it was a good flyin.

Doug

[Nathan K. Hammond]

whoops!

nkh

[Jay]

How about the entry step for a Champ? Almost impossible to find and a real bear to try and make!