Magnetic Compass

[drjeff]

The cost for overhaul was ~$151.00 plus shipping. The lady said it was normally 165 but I had an email quote for less so she honored it.

Hope this helps

[RRHaldeman]

My 1946 Champ has what appears to be the original small size compass, but it is not in the "tunnel housing". Anyone have a "tunnel" or know where I might find one? I'd like to put the compass back in its original housing.

[joea]

Jeff,

Good to know, thanks.

What was the turn-around time?

Joe

[drjeff]

Joe,
I had the compass back at the house in about one week. I did find another guy that has roughly 100 of these old B-16's in his kitchen cabinets areadly overhauled and ready to go. It was cheaper to buy one from him than to pay shipping and get it down in PA. This guy was an Avionics guy for Eastern Airlines and is now retired. He lives really close to Nathan down in Jawja..... I would have to dig his info up when the wire and I get home from the hospital, or you could always ask Nate!

[RRHaldeman]

drjeff,
I'm interested in purchasing a B16 compass for my Champ. If you can let me know who has them, I'd appreciate it.

[drjeff]

The guy's name is Ed Perkins. The phone number I have for him is (770) 599-0233. Hope this helps.

[RRHaldeman]

I called Ed Perkins. He lives in Georgia. Said he had 19 refurbished and charges $300. Problem is, there is no way for him to send me a photo of one, so I hesitate to buy one sight unseen. At least there is a source. Thanks.

[drjeff]

Dick,
Nate Hammond lives really close to this guy and he could possibly go by and take a look and pick one out. The trouble is, Nate is as busy as a one armed paper hanger with his wife expecting two beautiful little girls in a few weeks. I suggest you shoot Nate a message and ask if he is headed by Senoia,GA anytime soon. Just maybe he could help you out.

If my memory is correct, I paid about 175 +shipping both ways to have a B-16 overhauled by Keystone Inst in PA almost 3 years ago.

Hope this helps.

[RRHaldeman]

I ended up buying a 2 1/4" Airpath BUT I can't seem to find a source for the adaptor plate (tunnel housing). I have a Champ panel with the standard size 3 1/8" holes for airspeed, compass, altimeter and tachometer. Now I need to locate a source for the adaptor that will downsize the opening from 3 1/8" to the 2 1/4 " that will fit my airpath compass. On the ground the instrument panel is slanted about 30 degrees so if I use a flat plate, the compass will be 30 degrees from vertical on the ground and worse in the air. I have seen many Champs with compass adaptors mounted behind the panel that permits the 2 1/4" compass to be vertical when flying but I cannot find a source. Not Univair, not Aircraft Spruce and not Wag Aero. They say they have compass adaptors but the total dimension of the adaptor is too small to fit in the 3 1/8" panel.

Anyone who has a clue to help, let me know.

[Captgrumps]

Try Aircraft Spruce..They have adapters.

[RRHaldeman]

Thanks for the tip, but as my original post notes: Wag-Aero, Aircraft Spruce and Univair do not have the adaptor from 3 1/8 inch to 2 1/4" (except a flat plate which does not allow the compass to be level when in flight). I've seen a LOT of champs with the tunnel adaptor but can't find one.

[Captgrumps]

I have an even flat plate--when in flight they are nearly level--but not on the ground. Is your need cosmetic or for use?

[RRHaldeman]

Grumps,

I have measured the angles. On the ground the panel tilts 30 degrees forward. So, when you take off and fly level, the panel tilts further forward. If your compass is mounted flat against the panel, it must be tilted more than 30 degrees forward from vertical -- so I guess I don't understand your setup or why so many Champs have the tunnel adaptor that makes the compass vertical in flight. What am I missing?