National Aeronca Association Bulletin Board

Can anyone help with info on Buzz Wagner. I heard he had a Chief on floats with Lycoming 0-235, this is what I plan to do. If someone has already done that with documentation it helps out. Any info is appreciated.


Charles

Charles,
I was hoping someone would respond to your question. I "think" (operative word here) there is a guy in MN that has a Chief with an O-235 on floats. He may have a different engine, just guessing. He posts on this site. I believe his board name is "Big Chief 48". Might try sending him a PM or email.
I have a Champ with an O-235 that I fly on floats during the summer here in MN also. I have PK1500's and highly recommend them if you can find a set. I am not sure what sizes are eligible on the Chief but personally would not want less than 1400's. 1320's seem to be marginal unless you are flying strictly solo. The O-235 is a heavy engine (not much lighter than an O-320) and I used to fly around with a friend that had a C-90 in his Champ on 1400's. I would be just as happy with the C-90 or C-200 for the flying I do.
Good Luck,
Keith aka WWhunter

Here is Buzz's contact info:

Buzz Wagner
President P.O. Box 3
Clark, SD 57225
605/532-3862
605/532-1305

He passed away in 2008 but understand that his kids are taking over the Aeronca operations, so would call and see what you can find out. He holds MANY Aeronca STC's but before buying parts, pls PM or email me.

Joe A

This is the former big chief 48.... I do not have the 0235 lycoming. I did go see Buzz in about 2006, and saw his chief (235) looked pretty good, but if you add up the weight figures, you end up with a legal 1 person plane. Lots of power though. He had all kinds of stuff, some good and other stuff you had to be careful of.

Just spoke with Cole Wagner, Buzz's son, at the phone JoeA posted. Thanks!!

He is marketing the STC's, which are now in his name. He is also marketing nose bowls, boot cowls, engine mounts, etc, tho I'm not really in the market for those.

We're still moving steadily (if slowly) toward restoration of a '46 Chief. The O-200 is a really attractive option now that the STC is available again.

One of the drawbacks, however, is the requirement for a longer engine mount to accomodate accessories on the O-200 (or O-235, both engines are covered by the STC.) Cole says some have installed O-200's without a starter on the A-65 mount. Makes me wonder if a SkyTec starter would fit without mods like it does on a C-85-12?

Any thoughts?

Alan,
That's my thought with the 0200/L16A I'm working on. I haven't really measured the difference in length between the two starters, although it may require pulling the engine to get the starter off. The 7EC mount that he's describing in his STC is about 2 inches longer or you can build one under the STC as some have done, I guess. That STC is really written 'loose' for lack of a better term (seems to leave a lot to interpetation ). I think there's also about a inch difference depending on which 0200 mounts you use. Of course a longer mount requires building a new upper and lower cowl but mine were bent up anyway.

MikeB

Alan,
I don't thimk you will have any problem using the 65 mount. I would keep the engine as far aft as possible.
I like the way Wagner engineers his STC's. It allows a little wiggle room.
Paul

Update--
I went ahead and bought the O-200 STC for my Chief. Also picked up an O-200 this past weekend. It came with accessories, including a pair of Slick 4301's and a Sky-tec starter. Just by eyeballing it, the Sky-tec extends about 1/2" aft of the mag cases, well short of the distance the harness takes up after that. Very encouraging for a good fit!

Please let us know how it goes.

Joe

Alan,

I got the 0200 STC. In it are drawings for building the heavier motor mount. I built a jig for it but it is big. I understand that it is the same as the later mounts.

Dennis

Thanks--

The test, I think, will be whether the A-65 mount has sufficient projection past the firewall to accomodate the accessories. Many have commented that the A-65 mount accomodates a C-85-12. What I'm unsure of is whether the accessory case on the O-200 takes up more space aft of the mount lugs than a C-85-12. I'm measuring 8" from the mounting lugs to the aft end of the mag cases, and about another 1/2" to the end of the starter. The factory drawing indicates 8 21/32" available with the A-65 mount.

More to come as things are spliced together.

Alan,
The rear cases on both engins are the same. The problem is the removal of the components. There's not enough room to slide the components from the studs.
Paul

Paul,

If getting off of the studs is a problem, what about using bolts and safety wire the heads?

Joe

Thanks Paul!

That's encouraging! (the fuselage isn't in the same city--it's about a 5-hr drive away--makes running out to take a look problematic )

It's about ready for fabric, and I'll get a closer look in the next few weeks.

(Since the engine is off, having room to unbolt the accessories won't be a problem. At least not initially!)

Alan

Joe,
The threads in the case are USS. It wouldn,t be long before they were stripped out. The worst thing you can do is twist and pull on the aluminum.
If there is an issue with space you can remove the upper or lower set of bolts and use a hoist to adjust the engine for the needed clearance.
Paul