1979 7ECA Recover

[Vtailman]

is that because you're trying to use the old fuel lines? If so, let your A&P make a few new lines so you can put the gascolator at a better spot. legal, no?

the solid orange looks great!

Thanks! Excited to put the decals on when everything is installed and lines up.

On the location - I was trying to use the ACA drawings and keep it relatively factory so that if someone needs to swap parts in the future, it’s easy, but yeah I will definitely ask my A&P for his opinion before cutting any holes! He might have a better mounting idea.

 

[Vtailman]

Talked with my friend/A&P - and he suggested to do just that - matched the original install as much as possible. Made up a new line and placed the gascolator in the old spot. Will do a leak test. Got the electrical system mostly hooked up - will finish that this weekend, along with engine controls. Brakes are bled and hold tight with no leaks! Was surprised the new lines from ACA are soft hose rather than the old clear tube. Little more flexible but one isn’t able to see if the level has dropped. Just have to keep an eye on the reservoir and for leaks I suppose.

A bit of headset noise from the beacon and strobe that I need to chase down. I’m sure that’ll be a fun project… At least with the windshield still off that’ll be easier to access!

 

[Vtailman]

Not much visual progress over the past few weeks but got new hoses made up and installed (fuel and oil hoses were quite toasty). Wiring in the engine bay is all cleaned up and installed a noise filter on my strobe light and started test fit of the cowl. I have a new top cowl and it seems to fit pretty well, surprisingly. Need to drill it - a job for next weekend.

If anybody has replaced a windshield retainer, I’m all ears for tips and tricks.

 

[Vtailman]

Little bit of progress this weekend. Got the rest of the interior installed. First time sitting in the front seat in 3.5 years. Was hard to get out and keep working

As well, started the windshield install. So far it looks like the retainer should fit pretty well. Just minor gaps and a little love to get the holes to line up. Lots of time spent scraping some old tape residue off the windshield with a plastic razor and pledge. Still a little to go here and there.

Trying to figure out what camloc fasteners to order for the top of the cowl so I can get the rest drilled up. The new cowl from wag aero fits surprisingly well.

 

[Bruce]

What are you using to seal the windshield in I called ACA and they said to use silicone, but seams there should be a rubber seal for the base? I should be setting my in place next week hopefully to get interior by end of month was hopeful to fly it to Air Venture but running out of time. Waiting on parts is killed my timing.

 

[Vtailman]

What are you using to seal the windshield in I called ACA and they said to use silicone, but seams there should be a rubber seal for the base? I should be setting my in place next week hopefully to get interior by end of month was hopeful to fly it to Air Venture but running out of time. Waiting on parts is killed my timing.

I had a rubber channel seal on the base. It came out with a white putty that was still somewhat flexible, I was planning on using 3M strip caulk along the bottom and some silicone for the final seal.

ACA says the new retainers’ holes sometimes don’t line up and to drill new ones if the retainer has big gaps that you can’t close. Start at the center and work to the edges.

 

[Ioneater]

Little bit of progress this weekend. Got the rest of the interior installed. First time sitting in the front seat in 3.5 years. Was hard to get out and keep working

As well, started the windshield install. So far it looks like the retainer should fit pretty well. Just minor gaps and a little love to get the holes to line up. Lots of time spent scraping some old tape residue off the windshield with a plastic razor and pledge. Still a little to go here and there.

Trying to figure out what camloc fasteners to order for the top of the cowl so I can get the rest drilled up. The new cowl from wag aero fits surprisingly well.

It's fascinating to watch this project come along!

I have a question about the step installed on the landing gear. Is that a factory part? I would like some on my KCAB. Seems like it would make access to the gas tank much easier when wheel pants are installed vs hunting down a ladder.

Thanks,
Greg

 

[Vtailman]

To the best of my knowledge it is - yeah. 51 or 52. Mine is a 52.

 

[Ioneater]

To the best of my knowledge it is - yeah. 51 or 52. Mine is a 52.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Vtailman]

Thanks for the info.

No problem.

Got the rest of the interior installed this weekend other than the passenger heater vent, which I’m waiting to do last to avoid stepping on it.

Also got the spinner installed, all cables tensioned and rigged with the help of my friend / A&P and spent quite a bit of time fighting with the windshield retainer - but it should be ready to trim, prime and paint now. Going to try and prime after work this week.

 

[Vtailman]

Got the retainer primed and the paint unfortunately decided to crawl. Reprimed, will try again with additional air cleaners in the line! However, got the cowling all drilled up along with a test fit of the wheel pants.

 

[Vtailman]

Weighed and had the first engine start in 3.5 years this week.


Anyone happen to know offhand if CAR 4a weights include full oil or if that is similar to CAR3 (empty weight has no oil)? I’m not having much luck finding a definitive answer! If the old weight was with full oil she picked up about 10 lbm in the recover and interior refresh.

 

[Vtailman]

Figured out the oil is subtracted from the weight after looking at the original W&B sheet

It lost maybe 10 lbs with the oratex - the airtex interior seems a little heavy and several items of mass were added so it ended up gaining 3 lbs of useful load. Can’t wait to fly it this weekend! Need to total up the hours.



Three and a half years later - signed off tonight! This forum has been a valuable resource, from advice, to old service letters, to photos of other folks restorations.

Reflecting on the covering - I’d probably use it again but would strongly consider ceconite or poly fiber, even with the slight weight gain. Some aspects of the process are highly frustrating and stressful and the documentation is not always clear.

 

[vupilot]

Congrats!

 

[Bob Turner]

I kinda like the color scheme!

 

[Bruce]

Now time to tell the truth, you thought maybe a year to do this ? At least every time I take in a project that’s my thought process. Congratulations on finishing now brag on how nice and straight it flys.

 

[Vtailman]

Hahaha on my first post in this thread I said “winter project”. Underestimate of the century. I think we are all optimists!

Gotta total up the hours but I’d guess 700. If I was faced with the question - would I do it again? Yes but only if it was mostly in my garage. The EAA advice of “keep your workshop close” rings very true. Now I know for the next one

 

[Bruce]

Well truth be known I live in Tn and spend 3 to 5 months a year in Wy, a little over 2 years ago I ended up with this 7GCBC that had been looped in Wy my first project took 3 part time years so I figured it would take less with the second one. But truth be know parts delays, and traveling back and forth kill productivity. So I’m about 30 to 50 hrs from completing and out of time for this visit out west. Having the first one at my house I decided I needed a hanger which I have in Wy. But I relied on others to help one guy did the fabric work it’s ok but not what I expected (I’ll admit I’m picky) then I’ve trusted someone to do the wiring which what is done is great looking. But after a year and half not completed. So if I do another it will be at home and by myself. Hope you enjoy with the satisfaction of your accomplishment!

 

[Vtailman]

Flies straight hands off
Time to brush up on those tailwheel landings!

Airworthiness date for this serial number 47 years ago to the day

 

[Bob Turner]

Might be flying mine to Friday Harbor soon - ya never know.