Thorp Air Command - T18.net

After doing some research, including the thought of trying to make my own canopy cover, I decided on Bruces Covers. Funny thing on the web site, the price for an S-18 cover is $395.00 and one for a T-18 is $335.00 [?] I sent a message to Mr. Bruce and inquired why the difference when the S-18 is only 2 inches wider in the cockpit area...their response, "Rich you found a mistake in our online catalog." "The price should be the same for both." I'll let you think for a moment which price is correct...(sound of horn in the back ground). $395.00 for the S-18/T-18. [:0] They are in the process of correcting their web site (to include the Mustang II as it uses the same canopy)...so, if you want or need a canopy cover, now might be the time to buy before they correct the web site and save yourself $60.00. [:D]

El Cheapo
RB
NX115RX

Rich,

You might want to consider Aero Covers up here in Canada. They did a great job on mine and were cheaper than Bruce's covers. Mine goes far enough forward to cover the gas capand to also cover the cowling air exits on the side of the fuselage. It also fits real nice and tight so there are no areas to flap about.

Let me know and I can send you a picture of my cover.

Jim Mantyla

Thanks Jim: I thought I did enough research on about every cover out there (there is even a You Tube video comparing 3 different brands of A/C covers, one of which was Bruce). Not bashing Canada (you know), but having dealt with trying to get something across the border (humans are easier...especially the illegal kind), I find it easier to stick close to home base.

I even researched trying to make my own from a high end car cover (about $70.00), but by the time I measured it, cut it, bought all the necessary fittings, straps and elastic, then having to take it to a local shop to sew it up, I was getting into the area of "Make" or "Buy"...I think we have been down this road ? There is even a place in Seattle that will sell you bulk car cover material and all the necesary stuff to make your own. I am at the point now of just about total burn out with building this A/C. It is ready for inspection (less a few decals) and I am ready to fly and stop building for a while. I know there are less expensive covers out there, but I think the Bruce cover will work just fine. A few extra coins for a cover is not going to make or break this operation, considering I do not pay any hanger rent ! BTW, I already ordered the Bruce cover.

RB
NX115RX

Not sure what he charges but you may want to give Ed Ludke a call too. I'm borrowing one of his right now (thanks Ken!) and it's very nice, light and fit's perfect!

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Mr. Ed may have slipped by me, I did however check the Aero Covers price for low wing A/C and they start at $395 Cad. + shipping + tax + customs ? If I knew how to sew, I would have had a Quilting Bee and made a cover !

RB

Kudos Rich, now there is one thing I would not try to fabricate! My sewing skills are horrible, and I even have a Brother industrial sewing machine!
Brian Haynes

Ed Ludke's cover's are the best you can find and fit very nicely. I Have had 2 of his and completly satisfied with both.

Cotner

*** admin posted for Gary Cotner ***

_________________
Forum Administrator

Rich,
Just check my invoice, June 2008 Bruce's price was $335. I asked them to extend the bib in front of the windshield a couple of inches to cover the fuel cap. The other thing I like about it is that the static ports are also covered.

Another company that makes covers is Aviation Covers Inc in Arlington, WA USA. I have a set of their prop covers (wood prop), same material as my Bruce's canopy cover, colors match also.

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Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA

As I stated in my first message regarding the Bruce's Covers, the $335.00 on their web site price for the T-18 cover is incorrect. I couldn't figure out why the S-18 cover was $395.00 and the T-18 cover was $335.00, until I asked them. They said I found a mistake and they were going to correct it...so the correct price for both is $395.00. I was trying to give everyone that wanted a cover to order now as the price was going up. I have a Bruce's Cover on order. Thanks to everyone for all the info.

Regards,

Betsy Ross

I just got an E-mail from Ed Ludtke - he is still making the covers - $170 plus 9 jeters shipping - nice breathable and washable material - Ed's address is edludtke@hotmail.com
Be prepared with special requirements, ie wide body, canopy protrusions, nekked man navy logos, etc.

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Fraser MacPhee
N926WM
Serial #279-1
Angel Fire, NM (KAXX)

Hey Rich,

I got my cover from Ed and I've been very satisfied.

Paul Mays
Huntsville

I'll take a nakked Navy man over a nakked Scott anyday ! [:p] Wait a minute...that didn't come out right ?

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT RB has ordered a cover from Bruce's Covers. That is all.

Hi All, I sent an email to Ed...Anybody know if he's on vacation? Or if there is a spelling error in Rich's link?

Thanks, Terry