Hi! I am new to Aeronca site. I learned to fly in two Aeronca planes years ago, and now have a Luscombe 8-A, but am buying a defender basket case, and I mean to say that the pieces are in several locations, from Massachusetts up through N.H., but he says he has most all the parts. Unfortunately, his friend in N. H. left the fuselage outside for years under the ubiquitous blue tarp and as the tarp disintegrated , so too did the fuselage. .Can I build another fuselage - is there a jig of some sort whereby one can accurately build another, - does it have to become an "experimental" - are there benefits to it being an experimental - The wings were inside until 2 winters ago and then went outside under a new 'blue tarp' and are in I believe great shape, - The fuselage is still together, - should I be finding a data plate somewhere on the frame - I did not see anything that looked like a data plate. Can I build "around the data plate"? I work with wood and have tools, but would have to learn to weld and practice on some other projects around the house. Does anyone do this for hire? The wings have Ceconite and haven't yet performed a punch test. Any advice no matter how basic appreciated - this is a thing I've wanted to do, .... I'm joining up with a local EAA club soon. Thanks- happy flying! stephen kent1940 defender airframe jig needed...
1940 defender airframe jig needed...
Hi! I am new to Aeronca site. I learned to fly in two Aeronca planes years ago, and now have a Luscombe 8-A, but am buying a defender basket case, and I mean to say that the pieces are in several locations, from Massachusetts up through N.H., but he says he has most all the parts. Unfortunately, his friend in N. H. left the fuselage outside for years under the ubiquitous blue tarp and as the tarp disintegrated , so too did the fuselage. .Can I build another fuselage - is there a jig of some sort whereby one can accurately build another, - does it have to become an "experimental" - are there benefits to it being an experimental - The wings were inside until 2 winters ago and then went outside under a new 'blue tarp' and are in I believe great shape, - The fuselage is still together, - should I be finding a data plate somewhere on the frame - I did not see anything that looked like a data plate. Can I build "around the data plate"? I work with wood and have tools, but would have to learn to weld and practice on some other projects around the house. Does anyone do this for hire? The wings have Ceconite and haven't yet performed a punch test. Any advice no matter how basic appreciated - this is a thing I've wanted to do, .... I'm joining up with a local EAA club soon. Thanks- happy flying! stephen kent
Stephen,
If you have the data-tag and paperwork and even one piece of the fuselage you can rebuild or "replace" tubing as needed.
As far as finding a jig for a Defender that is a tall order and doubt that there is one around.
There may be people around who could assist or do the work you are talking about. Lets see who chimes in on this discussion with idea.
Joe A
If you have the data-tag and paperwork and even one piece of the fuselage you can rebuild or "replace" tubing as needed.
As far as finding a jig for a Defender that is a tall order and doubt that there is one around.
There may be people around who could assist or do the work you are talking about. Lets see who chimes in on this discussion with idea.
Joe A
-
Nathan K. Hammond
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- Joined: Wed Nov 17, 2004 00:22
- Location: Danville, KY (DVK)
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Howdy Stephen, welcome to the forum.
Building up an airplane from a dataplate and bill-of-sale is common in antique/classic airplanes. The saying is true; "Old airplanes never die" because technically you can build up an entire airplane from scratch AS LONG AS you return it to factory standards. As for the fuselage, building a jig from scratch will be harder than finding hens teeth, but you've got a big jump on things if you still have the old fuselage (rusted or not.) A talented person can take that fuselage and build a jig around it, sort of like reverse engineering. You can do this you're self, but need to get a lot of practice with a welder. After 10 years of welding little jobs once a month, I still don't feel confident enough to weld on a fuselage. Blueprints would also be a big help. Contact Brian Matz or Joe, and they might point you in the right direction.
As for going Experimental, you could, but won't gain anything. And some people might think of it as being sacreligious; like taking a cherry '56 Chevy Bel-Aire project and turning it into a dune-buggy. The historical and rarity value are worth keeping.
As for the wings, plan on recovering them regardless of what they look like or what you're told by the previous owner. First off, you really should make a good inspection of them. And second, you're gonna spend so much time getting everything else perfect, if you settle on the current condition of the wings; you'd never be happy with the finish. Figure you'll spend an extra $1000 on materials to recover the wings; which aint bad at all.
There are people who do rebuilds for a living, and if you've got the cash and no time to work, then thats a good option, but if you enjoy working with your hands, don't mind working on it for a year or two, and don't get discouraged easily; then working on it yourself can be a lot of fun.
Some other tips:
Fgure a solid budget: Project cost, motor, motor overhaul, missing instruments, missing parts, new parts, covering material, etc.... Now double that number. Honest.
Do a good self evaluation. Do you have the time and motivation to finish a project like this. Do you want to work on an airplane, or fly one?
Try to set up a shop at the house, it makes the wife happier in the long run. Relationships seem to work better when you walk into the garage and tell the wife you're working on the plane, than when you have to drive 20 minutes to the airport. You don't want AIDS; Aviation Induced Divorce Syndrome.
Use aircraft grade hardware and products. We joke on the forum about "Lowes Aircraft Supply" and "NAPA, National Aerospace Parts Accociation" but the laws are clear; aircraft hardware on certified airplanes.
Joining EAA is one of the best moves you can make! They have a ton of technical information and a great network for finding help and advise. Just be sure you weed out the wannabe's from the real-deal in your local chapter; some people like to tell you how to do things, when they don't even know how to pump gas.
Well Stephen, I hope this helps you some. Feel free to ask anything on the forum, becuase if you're thinking it, chances are several others are too. Keep us posted!
nkh
Building up an airplane from a dataplate and bill-of-sale is common in antique/classic airplanes. The saying is true; "Old airplanes never die" because technically you can build up an entire airplane from scratch AS LONG AS you return it to factory standards. As for the fuselage, building a jig from scratch will be harder than finding hens teeth, but you've got a big jump on things if you still have the old fuselage (rusted or not.) A talented person can take that fuselage and build a jig around it, sort of like reverse engineering. You can do this you're self, but need to get a lot of practice with a welder. After 10 years of welding little jobs once a month, I still don't feel confident enough to weld on a fuselage. Blueprints would also be a big help. Contact Brian Matz or Joe, and they might point you in the right direction.
As for going Experimental, you could, but won't gain anything. And some people might think of it as being sacreligious; like taking a cherry '56 Chevy Bel-Aire project and turning it into a dune-buggy. The historical and rarity value are worth keeping.
As for the wings, plan on recovering them regardless of what they look like or what you're told by the previous owner. First off, you really should make a good inspection of them. And second, you're gonna spend so much time getting everything else perfect, if you settle on the current condition of the wings; you'd never be happy with the finish. Figure you'll spend an extra $1000 on materials to recover the wings; which aint bad at all.
There are people who do rebuilds for a living, and if you've got the cash and no time to work, then thats a good option, but if you enjoy working with your hands, don't mind working on it for a year or two, and don't get discouraged easily; then working on it yourself can be a lot of fun.
Some other tips:
Fgure a solid budget: Project cost, motor, motor overhaul, missing instruments, missing parts, new parts, covering material, etc.... Now double that number. Honest.
Do a good self evaluation. Do you have the time and motivation to finish a project like this. Do you want to work on an airplane, or fly one?
Try to set up a shop at the house, it makes the wife happier in the long run. Relationships seem to work better when you walk into the garage and tell the wife you're working on the plane, than when you have to drive 20 minutes to the airport. You don't want AIDS; Aviation Induced Divorce Syndrome.
Use aircraft grade hardware and products. We joke on the forum about "Lowes Aircraft Supply" and "NAPA, National Aerospace Parts Accociation" but the laws are clear; aircraft hardware on certified airplanes.
Joining EAA is one of the best moves you can make! They have a ton of technical information and a great network for finding help and advise. Just be sure you weed out the wannabe's from the real-deal in your local chapter; some people like to tell you how to do things, when they don't even know how to pump gas.
Well Stephen, I hope this helps you some. Feel free to ask anything on the forum, becuase if you're thinking it, chances are several others are too. Keep us posted!
nkh
7AC-5691
Super 85-12F @ DVK
Super 85-12F @ DVK
Thanks for the replies. I may will look into working in garage/barn, after barn sale, already been devorced once! Am trying to get her involved to make it a together thing. I think it might be good to involve an experienced welder. The engine supposedly starts on first pull, but then that was a long time ago, and engine was not pickled. Thanks again. Stephen