National Aeronca Association Bulletin Board

I want to install a compass in a Champ panel.

I see that if I just attach it directly that it will not be level while in flight.

Where do I get an adapter that will mount the compass on the correct angle so when in flight the compass will be level?

Thanks, Dave.

Dave,
I'm doing the same thing. I have the drawing and it has a little wedge adapter riveted to the panel. The compass hole is oblong, which I thought was weird, and it shows the doubler riveted under the compass and the altimeter.
Paul

I am doing the same thing. My panel was previously "worked" (hacked) by someone in the past. So, I am trying to make the best of what I have. I attached some photos. I am making a template for the piece in the back that I will mount the compass to. I think you can get the general idea. There is not much room between the angle bezel and the primer tube. I am trying to lower the compass in the ring so that it is inline with the other instruments. I am not sure I am going with this, but if it gives you any ideas great.
Ray
oh, the angle bezel thing is a part number 2-812 and I am unable to find anyone making them. Mine is a bit hacked up, but I will use it if I can.

I gave up on this idea and bought a vertical card compass that now sits behind the fuel gauge and works flawlessly in both tail low taxi and straight and level flight.

Somehow in the restoration process my airframe got magnitized so my compass seems to read best when I'm going south . I know there is a process of degassing the airframe but I'm hoping it might do it on it's own sooner or later. Right now it's the gps that works best.
Mike

Third try answering.

Try Wag Aero part #A-245-000
http://onlinecatalog.wagaero.com/WebPro ... flx&from=2

Worked great for me

Brian Walker
N1197E
'46 7A/C

Dave,
I'm not having any success in forming the 2-812 mount. Every time I start to enlarge the hole for the compass I start tearing the sides even when annealed. My next step is to change material from 3SO to 24SO. This is the last item to complete my panel and start assembly. If anyone has a spare they want to part with let me know. Currently I have a scrap bin full of Christmas ornaments.
Maybe we could get Charles to spin up a cone and just chop it out.
Paul

Just an update,
I worked with the 24SO and no success. Don't know what direction to go yet. I'm thinking that a flat pattern isn't the way to start. I'm going to make a tube and try to flange the panel side. I'll get it I just need to figure how it was done in '46.
Paul

I ordered the #A-245-000 part from Wag. It is not a solution for a hole that big in the panel. If you were starting with a blank panel it would work. Also, it is a plastic piece and would look out of place if you ask me. Paul, I looked up the print for the 2-812 mount. I think that the mount is made from 3003. I have no idea how they made it originally, but you might have better luck making a flange, and a tube and having them welded. If I am thinking right if you use 3003 aluminum there is not any heat treatment required after welding. I think you can roll a flat sheet into the tube shape. I think the tube is actually tapered so you would have to weld that seam too. But if you put the seam on the tube at the top it would not be visible from a seated position. Just a thought.

I first tried the 3003. I was able to work it a lot further than the 2024. Both cracked on the left and right edges(as installed) when I started to enlarge the hole to fit the compass.
If I go the extent of making it from a weld-ment I'll see if the shop can whip one up out of Titanium. If it takes a crazy process to make the part I guess I'll make it full trip.
The guys in the machine shop were talking about making it from a 4" round billet. I think that will be a last resort.
I don't give up too easily so I'll keep at it until I run out of Aluminum.
Paul

Don't want a gimble mount on the windscreen? Seems like it would be a lot less work and expense. That is what my Champ had before I put in the Vertical Card Compass

OUCH! a compass mount out of a titanium billet is gonna be very expensive! If you want to go to that expense I can see what the shop at work would charge to make a mould and press them out for you. I am sure they can make them. Once the mould is made they would be cheap to make. If you want to go that route I would not mind having one made too, and I can take the one off my panel and it can be used as a template. I have mine doctored up, and it will work for me, but a new panel with a new mount would be nicer.

The guys in the shop are always looking for a challenge. One has a complete Norton engine he made. Quite a piece of machining.
We have some Titanium sheet and tube that I would use for the weld-ment.
Putting a compass up on the windshield or on the top of the boot cowl would work but I like the dash mount better. With GPS the compass isn't the instrument it used to be.
Paul

Here's my solution for mounting the 2 1/4 inch compass. I should mention that this is an IRAN not a restoration.
Paul
Salome, AZ