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C-FPVE
http://t18.net/thorpforum/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=7216		 Page 16 of 17
Author:  dan [ Sun Dec 07, 2014 8:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: C-FPVE
I wondered also, not wondering any more.....Dan
Author:  Pacer 20 [ Sun Dec 07, 2014 8:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: C-FPVE
Bonjour Thorp community!

I'm happy to post on this forum again.
Quick story....Since last June I decided to open my own Aircraft Maintenance Company. Lot of job my friend and lot of worries....I have to put all my flying project on the ice and I just flew my Pacer 25 hrs this year. Fast forward to last week, I restart to work on my Thorp and my Texas Taildragger project.

I build a straight and level wood support to install my center section for the riveting.
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There is my update for the aileron bell-crank. I choose to cut the bottom of the skin to have a easy access during the visual inspection or if I have to work on the push-pull control tube.
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I bend each side of the inside doubler to put more strength on this parts.
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Perfect flush inspection plate with flush screws.
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Time to dismantle one side of the wing to spray the epoxy primer.
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Small angle are in place.
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Nose and rear ribs are in place. Next step is to install the skin and driven the rivet.
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Author:  fytrplt [ Sun Dec 07, 2014 8:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: C-FPVE
Congratulations on your business! Welcome back! You had us worried. Super work as usual.
Author:  Pacer 20 [ Wed Dec 10, 2014 9:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: C-FPVE
I installed the wing skin. A quick view before I put in place the last outboard rib.
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Inside the wing between the middle rib.
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One wing are completed....Flap are in position to see the alignment.
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I think, I don't need flap gap seal ;)
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Author:  Pacer 20 [ Wed Dec 10, 2014 9:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: C-FPVE
Sorry folks to bother you again, but the right wing is on the way ;D
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60% done......
Author:  James Grahn [ Thu Dec 11, 2014 12:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: C-FPVE
Beautiful. Wish I could work that well.
Cubes
Author:  Pacer 20 [ Thu Dec 11, 2014 4:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: C-FPVE
Cubes!
Come in Montreal, I teach you fine sheet metal secret ;)
Author:  Pacer 20 [ Thu Dec 11, 2014 9:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: C-FPVE
All the leading edge ribs are riveted.
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Before riveting the big spar, I clamp both wings with a large quarter inches steel angle! I want to be sure the wings are perfectly parallel.
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I "MacGyver" this steel block to help me to drill perpendicular. I always drill my hole with a undersize diameter.
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No time to play tomorrow :'(
I work on another Airport, so no T-18 updates!!!!
Author:  James Grahn [ Fri Dec 12, 2014 1:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: C-FPVE
Some day Thierry I will take you up on that.
Cubes
Author:  Pacer 20 [ Wed Dec 17, 2014 7:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: C-FPVE
Finally my second wings are completed and the right flap is installed.
I saved 1 man hour on this side.
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Center section and outboard are jointed together. The entire wing stay bolted during the time I take to build the wing fairing.
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After a couple of beer to celebrating the end of the riveting, I decided to jump on my plane and do some aerobatics maneuvers :o
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More and more beer....and now I'm the next wingman 8)
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Author:  N89BJ [ Fri Dec 19, 2014 1:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: C-FPVE
Wow Thierry. You are incredible. I enjoy seeing your swift progress!
Author:  jubal_sackett [ Fri Dec 19, 2014 11:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: C-FPVE
What a ride.
Author:  Pacer 20 [ Sun Feb 28, 2016 11:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: C-FPVE
Hi Thorp friends!

More than one year with no post from me...I'm always with you folks.

I started my Aircraft Maintenance business in 2014 and since, spare time is really hard to find. I removed my old 290 engine in my Pa-20 and I installed a fresh overhauled 320, so during the engine change-over I don't take the time to work on my T-18. I work hard too on my C-150 Texas Taildragger, project is in good way but lot of work to performe before this Cessna take the air again.

Since my last post in late 2014, I finished all the sheet metal work. The landing gear fairing are in place. I cut and drill the gear extension, I just need to put the block to the meiling. Fairing between center section and outer wing is done. I make small aluminium cover under the wing for the ailerons push-rods. Heated pitot is in place under left wing. I put lot, lot, lot of time to sand and prepare the fiber-glass wing tips.

Last summer I do a bad move, I buy a great Lycoming IO-360 angle valve and I start the installation in the Thorp. Nice engine 200hp full injection model but after calculation the engine extras weight and the size of the cylinder under the cowlings, I decided to sale the engine. Too big, too heavy and the price of the part are to expensive for me. I lost 2 months (part time) making plenum baffle. Finally I sold the engine just before Christmas and last week I found a straight 0-320 with 1300 SMOH.

Pictures soon...
Author:  Pacer 20 [ Sun Feb 28, 2016 11:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: C-FPVE
The 320 engine ready to be install.

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I'm not able to resist to install the prop and the cowling!

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Wing tips is good to go.

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My shop....

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A Citabria need a new engine, a C-172 with a fresh Annual Inspection, another C-172 need lot of TLC, plus all my personnal project...
Author:  Pacer 20 [ Mon Feb 29, 2016 7:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: C-FPVE
There is the template skin for the gear fairing. Same spec from the original plan.
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Fairing is installed.
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Now I have to search for this collar. Somebody have 2 larges and 2 small in stock for sale?
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