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cgifly2
 Post subject: Rattray
PostPosted: Wed Dec 07, 2011 12:48 am 
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Joined: Tue Sep 13, 2011 7:15 pm
Posts: 41
Location: USA
Am doing a rebuild on 7077J it had 160TT and I could not live with it any more. Has a 0320 a2d which I love cause I can run street gas in it (cheap) and is not IFR equipped (dont need that) so it is light and performs well on 150HP. But my question is seeing a few comments against Ratray cowlings I was wondering why? And dont just say there crap! Cause you cant verify that by me. I did fly with mine for 160 hours and found no problems with it. I could get the bottom off with out pulling the prop, and I actually like the looks. But I am open to discussion about pros and cons as I am doing a complete rebuild. So lets here it. Please be objective no bias on just what you THINK is best. And thanks for considering.
Skeet


Last edited by Anonymous on Wed Dec 07, 2011 12:48 am, edited 1 time in total.

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fytrplt
 Post subject: Ratray
PostPosted: Wed Dec 07, 2011 6:43 am 
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Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2009 8:07 pm
Posts: 1153
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Location: Lakeland, Florida, USA
Skeet,

Welcome back! The main argument against the Ratray cowl is that they were said to be heavy. My Herb Shable (sp?) fiberglas cowl weighs about 17 lbs., while my aluminum one weighs about 16 lbs. Also, some object to the glass on aluminum fairings on the boot cowl. As many of us know, Geogre Ratray was a boat buider and did much to introduce fiberglas to the world of aircraft.

Being experimental, run what YOU like. Keep us posted on the progress.

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL


Last edited by Anonymous on Wed Dec 07, 2011 6:43 am, edited 1 time in total.

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admin
 Post subject: Re: Rattray
PostPosted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 7:33 am 
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Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2009 2:21 pm
Posts: 176
Location: USA
The blue color is where I cut the lower cowl and hinged it to the top half and added a small aluminum angle stiffener near the bottom.

*** admin posted for Hurant Karibian ***


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cgifly2
 Post subject: Re: Rattray
PostPosted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 11:43 am 
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Joined: Tue Sep 13, 2011 7:15 pm
Posts: 41
Location: USA
Cool what did you use for a latch?
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Victor Thompson
 Post subject: Re: Rattray
PostPosted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 8:58 pm 
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Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 11:02 pm
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Location: Merrickville, Ontario, Canada
Hurant: What is your engine access like with the lower hinges?

I like the access that I have with the cheek style.

Just curious.

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Victor J Thompson
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"In Memory Of Dad"
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