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Gang;
Was able to get my project plane (~#675) back to
the hangar yesterday and had a real good look at the entire situation
today. The large flat piece of sheetmetal directly below the cabin, in
between the spars, was already removed for replacement. Doesn't seem
like a big job, thanks to all who responded a few weeks ago. What I
discovered today was that the rear "spar" looks like it has
been spliced-patched, right at the middle. Great job, both front and
rear sides, but absolutely no way I could see the extent of any
discrepancy. Doesn't make me feel too good and I really don't want to
remove the patch to inspect it like I should. Front spar had a couple of
bends to the lips, right where the gear attaches, evidence of some hard
landings. Stainless D mod wasn't done correctly either (wonder if I could
prove to the fed that the D conversion wasn't too legal!!!). Haven't
looked at the logs too well, but from what I've seen, the coupe had some
impeccable maintenance when a Dr. owned it some years back. Lots of mods
and lots of drawings that I need to sort through. Also, it broke my heart
but both of those formed pieces of metal that are below and go under the walk
boxes to the tube are deformed (sorry, parts books are down at the hangar) with
the left side pretty well split and stop drilled. I may be getting a good
idea why the fellow I bought it from may have given up on it. All in all,
not too much to repair in the grand scheme of things, but I really don't know if
I want to move forward with a low serial number, D model airplane,
especially faced with the fact that I'll need to buy 2 formed pieces of metal
from Univair.
The good part is that I have 2 great rag wings,
good ailerons, great tail surfaces, Clevelands, nice seat, mostly everything
else is real good (no engine or prop, had the O-200 conversion) to either find
another fuse or part out. We all know it's a shame to let one go, but some
must die so that others may live. Question would naturally be - does anyone have a low serial # fuse
hanging around or for that matter, any #? Don't worry about me, I knew
what I was getting and am okay with the deal.
Another thing comes to mind when I see these low #
planes. Some years back I bought #42 or 43 and someone fitted the newer
style gear legs onto it (no logs with this one). Basically, a portion of
the spar lip was cut out to accommodate the gear. According to the talk at
the time, it was a common thing to do, so now I'm wondering if that was actually
an approved mod (STC'd) or just the way things were done way back then?
Any insight would be helpful
Thanks
AL
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