Thorp Air Command - T18.net

This post is directed to all you T-18 builders out there. I am building a new stabilator for my T-18C (N58K) that was damaged a couple of years ago when a Bonanza ran through the side of my hangar and hit my Thorp. The plans call for the connector tabs (on the trim tabs, connecting the hinge rivets to the aluminum block for mounting the tab link arms) to be fabricated from 302 stainless (.015). In trying to source this material, I learned that there are different specifications for hardness ranging from annealed to full hard. I can't find any notations on the drawings specifying the required hardness. Does anyone in the group have this information or remember what was called out back when? I think this part was added when John re-designed the tail, so it probably needs to be correct as he designed it. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Doug Frantz

Hi Doug,

I could send you a piece of what I used... it’s hard, but takes a sharp bend nicely. A #30 Whitney punch makes the holes easy, or 1/8” followed up with a #30 reamer. I can cut a strip to whatever width & length you want & put it in an envelope. Let me know... jrevens@comcast.net

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John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE