Thorp Air Command - T18.net

In fabricated a few mounts. Made from angle stock and riveted some .032 sheet metal. They attach to the wing tip row of screws. I also drilled and countersunk #6 screws on the Hero 7 mount. I know their adhesive is good, but I prefer screws. This mount faces forward. I have another at 45 forward and 90 to the airplane. For formation shots, I can turn the camera 45 out to get a neat view.

More to come,
T

Terry, are you still pleased with your oil cooler location? Do you happen to have any photos of your install of the oil cooler and its location? I would like to copy your location.

Ryan, I sent you a couple photo of the install. Yes, I’m happy with the location. The cardboard form you see on the one photo is to set the size for the duct. I’m taking air from the right side and use skeet hose to feed the duct.

Even in the ‘age of COVID’ I’ve been able to make steady progress on completing Phase 1. As of today, I have 2.5 hours until I reach the magic 40!
Today was big in its own way. It was the first time I’ve been able to fly the airplane 2 days in a row. Tomorrow afternoon will make 3 in a row....weather permitting. I wasn’t happy with the canopy trim- so I made a new one out of fiberglass. It fits much better.
The October plan is once the 40 hours is done- the paint job prep begins. Fall is awesome on the gulf coast- humidity is lower and the temperature more conducive for paint. That is , more conducive for the folks that will be suited up and in the spray booth.
Paint prep begins after October 17th.

More to come......

Thats looks great Terry, I wish I had your fiberglass skills.

Terry,
How many layers of glass did you use? I'm assuming that you laid it up in place on the airplane.

inquiring minds want to know

I like it, you may have just cause me some more work.

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

Hey Bruce, yes...I used the airplane as the mold. It was one layer of matte glass. West Marine 105 and 205 activator. And some west 407 and 410 microballoons. The secret is In the 3m Mylar tape that the cured epoxy doesn’t stick to.

Today we had awesome weather along the Florida gulf coast. I was able to do my ‘long’ course and arrive back at home base at exactly 40 hours....Phase 1 now complete.
It’s the first of many milestones, the next one being paint.

Terry,

What are those 3 things below your windshield in the pictures? Decals?

How do you like the GRT EFIS? I like their CHT and EGT trend lines.

_________________
John Twigg N12055 SN.79 Pittsburgh, PA (KFWQ)

Now the outer wing panels are off. Time to prep for paint

Now the outer wing panels are off. Time to prep for paint





In the morning, the canopy will come off. The canopy trim will be removed. Seats come out, baggage area trim removed so that I can disconnect the flaps. I’m tracking the timeline and trying to come up with a best case date that I’ll be done. ? Mid December- fingers crossed

I am able to remove and disconnect the flaps by bringing the turnbuckle through the slot without removing the baggage floor. Just a thought.

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

Bob, that is pure genius ... I never even thought about that option!

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Bob, let me see if I understand your method. With the flap lever in the up position you pull the flap hinge bolts and you snake the -638 mast through the slot in the fuselage and then you are able to disconnect the turnbuckle from the mast horn. Is this correct?

That would have saved me a lot of grief when I disassemble the airplane to paint it. My battery box sit above the right flap mast and is a pain to get to let alone being able to see what you are doing.

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

Bruce, you have cracked the code!

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL