L-16 pictures

drjeff · Post by **drjeff** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 01:59

Here are some pictures of my L-16 project. Lots of work ahead if I plan to make it to Ohio in June. If it happens, it happens! I mentioned in a telephone conversation with Nathan the other night that over all, the plane looks it good shape. The gear legs were covered with fabric instead of the metal coverings. When I cut the fabric off, there was a fair amount of surface rust on them as you might see from the pictures. I haven't made up my mind whether or not to go back with the fabric or to go metal. What do most of you have on your champ, cheif, or L-bird?

I mentioned in a telephone conversation with Nathan the other night that over all, the plane looks it good shape. The gear leg was covered with cloth instead of the metal coverings. When I cut the fabric off, there was a fair amount of surface rust as you might see from the pictures!

Post by **joea** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 16:08

Looks like a good start! Keep pushing and keep posting the photos!

Joe

David Johnson · Post by **David Johnson** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 09:14

Dr Jeff, Looks like you been a'workin! Looks like good progress. I have always been good at getting them to this stage but not much farther! Lloyd has always been king of finishing projects to me. My understanding from Lloyd is the gear legs were originally fabric covered. Sometimes, after a lot of years/hrs the finish will crack on the gear legs from prop blast/vibration. The poly fiber manual used to recommend a piece of rib lacing between the fabric in the center of the panel to help with vibration. Don't know if it would work or not. Nate could help on this. It would require a visible patch in the middle of the gear leg, or double covering to keep it hidden. Looks like your tailpost has been reinforced at the bottom(triangle pieces). Hope we all make the NAA Convention in June. However, what is important is we all get there, stay healthy, and have a good time. I have driven as many times as flown. It doesn't matter! We all want you to have a safe, solid airplane you are happy with! And enjoy it for years to come!!!!Drive on gentlemen, David J. out.......

drjeff · Post by **drjeff** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 23:05

David,
I can promise this: It will not stay in the garage/basement for long.
I know this for a fact because THE WIFE HAS TO SEE IT DAILY !!!

She ask me all the time.... "when you gonna get all this STUFF out of my way???"

That is a little push in the rump to keep me moving.

I asked Santa for a 30x40 shop to put my toys in but I don't think I've been that good!

JP

Post by **joea** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 23:33

Jeff,

Get the wife to start working on the fabric with you and get it moved out of the basement!

Joe

stknrdr · Post by **stknrdr** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 21:08

I showed your naked Champ pictures to my Wife.

I think she is now reconsidering flying.

Oops!

Frederick the Great once said "Politics are like sausage. You may like the result, but you probably wouldn't want to see it made."

Nathan K. Hammond · Post by **Nathan K. Hammond** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 23:17

Jeff,
You should bolt the engine back on and taxi it down the street. Maybe take it to work and back.

nkh

drjeff · Post by **drjeff** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 23:26

Nate,
I really thought about putting the rudder and elevator back on and doing just that! The kids already think its pretty cool the way it is. I might have to try that before she goes back to the airport!

drjeff · Post by **drjeff** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 23:32

....Having taught Human Anatomy at the graduate level for several years, I looked at this as a, "Dissection of Aeronca Anatomy". Now, the cadavers that we used did not have to be reassembled! None to worry. A couple of memory cards and a 100GB external hard drive hopefully will hold enough pictures to reconstruct the 'ol gal.

Post by **joea** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:32

drjeff wrote:Nate,
I really thought about putting the rudder and elevator back on and doing just that! The kids already think its pretty cool the way it is. I might have to try that before she goes back to the airport!

My Chief had a landing accident way back in the 1950's or so. In the logbooks is says that the wings were removed and it was used as a snowmobile for that winter while they were overhauling the wings!

You can do a lot with an Aeronca!

Joe

David Johnson · Post by **David Johnson** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:36

Dudes, remember the weight of the wings is behind the wheels. Might better weigh down the tail with something....props are expensive. However, if you give it a try, let me know - I want a turn!!! David J.