New project N163Y 7GCBC 1978

[Bob Turner]

Is it a good shop? Or are they spring loaded to do everything to new standards? If so, you cannot blame them, with liability such a big deal.

I had a cylinder guy who would do what I asked and nothing more. I get thousands of hours out of cylinders.

 

[Bruce]

Shop is Firewall forward, nice operation from what I could see. Not sure what happened to this motor, very surprised to see the rust In cylinders when I pressed out #4 wrist pin ( yes pressed) it was blue where it had been hot, and was stiff to move. 2 others I could tap out and one was easy to move by hand.

 

[Bruce]

I am in a dilemma, should I repair the engine to the standard of an overhaul, or just a repair is necessary? Original plan is to fly this plane, but I have an opportunity on a scout if it becomes available it’s in probate court, owner died and family is trying to decide what to do. Which one would give me a better resale value on this aircraft. Keep in mind as much as I am doing to the engine I’m only about $3000 cost wise from Calling it major overhaul per Lycoming standards.

 

[Bob Turner]

Repair. If you can get a signature from an authorized overhaul facility with a test cell you might get extra bucks on resale, but just an A&P signature does not drive the used price skyward.
Opinion.

 

[Bruce]

That’s a good point.

 

[Bruce]

Well been a few days, I decide to do iran on the motor, I have Cylinder back, crank, rods, cam and followers in final inspection so hope to be assembled by end of January. Then heard from ACA the frame should be done by February and the wing has new spar and some ribs ready for fabric after final inspection. Things are progressing hope to head back west late February to assemble fuselage depending on weather.

 

[Bruce]

More things showing up, headed back west to work on re assembly. Frame is ready for pickup, hope to grab it Monday found throttle cable replacement end. I highly recommend if your bird has over 2000 hrs to look at this on next inspection. Not something I had considered before finding this. Photo shows wear and who to call for replacement parts. To inspect remove the pilot’s throttle cover and one cotter pin.

 

[Bruce]

Back from ACA cleaning before re assembly, still looking for prop if any one has a lead. Cleaned a lot of glue off with steam pressure washer didn’t realize that would work. Forgot to order skylight so 4 to 6 weeks for that.

 

[Bartman]

Go get 'em Bruce!

 

[Bruce]

First day of assembly, tomorrow instrument panel so I can place stringers. You can tell it was hand built seems like the simple things were winged back in the 70s. After the jigging some things don’t quite line up, a little fudge here and there but sure slows down the day. Goal is to be ready for fabric by next weekend.

 

[Bartman]

How many of these have you completed now?

 

[Bruce]

This is number 2 funny, when I got my A&P ticket never thought I would do fabric again. I’m rushing this one the first one was at my home in TN and had alot of delays this is more of a project with the frame damage and engine iran then I’m doing the work in WY so I have to travel out when I want to work on it so I’m focused all day wile I’m out here as my time is limited. I also am having someone else do the fabric and paint I’m just preparing the structure and hopefully to assemble this summer and fly it home.

 

[Bartman]

So it’s going to stick around for a while?

 

[Bruce]

That’s always the plan but then life hits, this is just a repair not total recover. I’ve mentioned the explorer that I’ve expressed interest in but being in probate may not be available for a wile. If it opens depending on the money I may sell to get that one.
Has anyone expressed interest in Sun and Fun? We’re planing ongoing already have room booked.

 

[Bruce]

day 2 progress I had tabs installed for Hookers, didn’t realize I’d have to shave the wood to accommodate the welds and new supports. Did find my flap cables are bad only at flap end. But can’t find any part number for the section I need.

 

[Bruce]

Hit a stopping point till some parts show up, be back at it in late April I hope,

 

[Bruce]

Good news prop located, parts on the way headed to Sun and Fun Monday hope you all can enjoy the week folks.

 

[Bruce]

Well back at my project and looking for some parts the guide for rudder cable tubes, and maybe a flexible dash section part #3-1391 if any one has extra in good condition might be nice to find rear wide seat. Working on wires preparing to install GNC355 to couple with G5 hopping to cover fram first of next month if all goes well like to be flying by Aug. any one want the nu light stuff?

 

[Bruce]

Has crack between cabin heat knobs for reference.

 

[Bob Turner]

Fiberglas repair?