First Annual for the Chief

[Dan1940Chief]

I pulled all the inspection covers, the cowling, and everything else i could off the Chief the last few days. This afternoon John called and said his hangar was open for my airplane (John is the local A&P on the field at Waynesburg).

Once we got it all set up he decided to do compression check first to see how this old engine was holding up.

I watched as each of four cylinders read 70 or 71 out of 80.

Not bad for a 70-year-old engine rebuilt in 1979!

[joea]

Glad to hear it as finding parts for the old Lycomings is getting more and more difficult these days.

Assume you are doing the "dirty work" on the annual? Its a good way to save money as well as learn more about the airplane.

Joe A

[Dan1940Chief]

Glad to hear it as finding parts for the old Lycomings is getting more and more difficult these days.

Assume you are doing the "dirty work" on the annual? Its a good way to save money as well as learn more about the airplane.

Joe A

Yes I am -- although my A&P says the Lycoming parts are easier to find -- and cheaper -- than A-65 parts.

So far the only outright replacement is the windscreen -- it was really bad (probably wasn't even a/c grade) and had a crack. So we pulled it out and I'm repainting all the interior tubes flat black.

The panel and yokes are now nicely refinished in flat black as well.

[Dan1940Chief]

Pictures here: http://trainingforcfi.blogspot.com/2010 ... nance.html

[Dan1940Chief]

Completed

• •Open boot cowling and clean inside
  •Remove floorboards and clean
  •Vacuum interior
  •Remove glue and old carpet residue from floorboards
  •Cut floor covering to fit over floorboards (temporary installation – not fastened to airplane)
  •Remove and replace all inspection covers and paint
  •Remove cowling (5 pieces), strip old paint, reform, prime, fill, sand, repaint
  •Remove and replace windscreen
  •Refinish interior (pilot and co-pilot yokes, panel, structural tubing) in flat black
  •Remove and inspect prop
  •Refinish wing root panels (sand, prime, paint)
  •Compression test (70-71 over 80 for each cylinder)
  •Clean engine compartment
  •Wire brush corrosion on engine
  •Refinish aluminum windscreen retention strips
  •Remove corrosion from gas cap retention fingers, replace wire, refinish cork with several coats of varnish

To do:

• •Replace prop retaining bolts
  •Reconnect wing root-mounted handheld radio antenna
  •Replace all screws with stainless steel screws
  •Repaint engine with Lycoming grey engine enamel
  •Replace door hinge pins
  •Replace wood windshield retention strips
  •Fix left aileron hinge and replace pivot bolt
  •Re-run handheld radio battery and antenna wires
  •Replace Velcro mounting for handheld radio

[joea]

Dan,

Do you have a good checklist for the Chief annual?

Joe A

[Dan1940Chief]

Dan,

Do you have a good checklist for the Chief annual?

Joe A

No... might you have one?

(My A& is an old timer that loves tube and fabric a/c)

[joea]

Just sent you a Excel file that should help.

[Champ99b]

Joea

Do you have one for a Champ? I assueme it is a check sheet for annuals.

Ron

[joea]

Ron,

Check your email.

Joe A

[joea]

Ron,

Glad you like it.

Dan,

Did you receive the checklist?

Joe

[Dan1940Chief]

Dan,

Did you receive the checklist?

Joe

Got it -- thanks!!

Some of the items have been complied with over the last few months. Some aren't applicable. I'll modify and post the Pre-war Chief model version here.

[Dan1940Chief]

Repainting the engine, interior, and all inspection covers, cowling take time. We're waiting for new windshield to be made by LP Aero.

[Dan1940Chief]

Lots accomplished today! Wrote about it here: http://flightmusings.blogspot.com

[Dan1940Chief]

More accomplished -- almost done! Waiting for Windshield -- should be ready Wednesday.

http://flightmusings.blogspot.com/2010/ ... plete.html