National Aeronca Association Bulletin Board

I'm once again on the path to build/find struts for my '38 Chief and need some clarification on drawings I have. My airplane was an S-50-C at birth but with the 65hp added the FAA allowed the designation change some years ago to S-65-C.

I corresponded with John Houser many years ago on drawings for substituting steel material for building replacement struts but have since moved and lost most of the correspondences in some box that is still packed up. I do have drawings, however, of the aluminum struts 3-49 for the front and 2-82 for the rear from Mr. Houser, and drawing 1-33 provided by Todd Trainor. I also have drawings 1-1876 and 1-1877 for the original aluminum material. All this is great if I could find aluminum/unobtainium to build new ones, or can find someone that can use these drawings to build steel struts.

Mr. Houser provided me with two drawings that I need some help and advice on: 1-1721 dated 7/3/42 and 1-713 dated 3/2/48 with both being 'steel alternates'. My dilema is that neither provide enough information to use to build new struts because they 1) are probably only for the front strut, and 2) neither provide data on connections. Any ideas, suggestions, etc.?

Any help is appreciated. I'm planning to pursue Univair, WagAero, and the usual paths to try and build some if possible.

Shane
N22122

Shane,
I think Univair used to supply struts for the 65CA they might be able to build/sell you a set. I had them build a set for a Taylorcraft L2 as a owner produced item and they were a nice piece.
Paul

Welcome on board!

Tom Holmes who is on this BBS has some good contacts in this area as well.

Joe A

The list of the drawing #s for the steel strust are:4-255, 4-259, 3-196, 1-53, 1-100 thu 1-179 (one drawing, standard tubes, SAE 1025), 1-593, 1-713, 1-800, 1-915, 1-916, 1-917, 1-918, 1-919, 1-930, 1-1387 and 1-1721.

I bought the drawing list from Bill Gores. I think I paid around $50.00 in 1995. The last phone number I had for him is 414-425-3618

Dan Wagner

Has anyone approached Mr. Gores about selling or donating his STC? Would really hate to see him pass and it not be able to be used by everyone.

you may want to ask Pete Plumb in Ca.,if he can make them. He did the ones for my 65TC.
Mike

Quax1 wrote:you may want to ask Pete Plumb in Ca.,if he can make them. He did the ones for my 65TC.
Mike

Was just going to suggest contacting Pete. Very good guy to be in touch with if you own an early airplane.

Joe A