Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I have decided to try and build my carb air box per plans, rather than buying the Vans air box. If I buy the Vans airbox, I'll have to cut up my lower cowl and re-fiberglass it to make the Vans air box fit. I have looked through my plans, but I cant seem to locate what material is used to make the airbox. Anyone know what material is used?

The more I look at it, what drawing # lays out the dimensions of the airbox? I must be missing a print....

#782 Well Carb. Air Box-Scale FULL . Material .06 6061 T-4 . Next assembly #781 Assembly Carb Air Box-Scale Full . Material .04 6061 T-4 . #751 Seal Carb Air Box Scale-Full . Material four-ply fiberglass fabric with silicone rubber . That is all I know . RB out .

RB
NX115RX

well, eat my grits. I have been staring at #781 for 2 days. I cant believe I didnt see the dimensions. When I get ready to make the 751 seal, your gonna have to educate me as to how you make the fiberglass/silicone mixture.

Sorry dude , I don't have a clue how to mix the goo as I didn't use this type of air box . You can probably use an off the shelf ready made seal material from Spruce , Wicks etc.

RB
NX115RX

I cut my wings today for fresh air vents next to the fuselage a la Bob's method. I'm looking forward to cool air blowing me away.

Is there anyway you could post pictures or drawings of your work. I have folding wings and really like the simplicity of wing vents.

I cant add pictures/documents for some reason to my posts. It keeps telling me "could not upload." But, go to this link. Its a thread on this site about the same topic. Bob Highley posted a photograph document that I followed. Too easy.

viewtopic.php?f=30&t=7646&hilit=fresh+air

Thanks Ryan

For those of you who have the "per plans" carburetor air box, would you please post some photos of your completed carb air box? I am having trouble getting this part visualized/built.

Note: my airbox is made with 3 pieces instead of 2 as shown on drawing -781

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

thats helps a bunch Bruce, thank you. I was having trouble understanding how the two (or 3 in your case) halves were joined from reading DWG 781. Now I see its a weld.

I cant decide which way to go here, so I am hoping you seasoned builders will give me your opinion. I am trying to decide which method of airbox installation will be the easiest path. I have 2 options:
1) Do I build the airbox per plans and hope it fits in my already built T18 lower cowl and scoop (if not, cut the cowl/reglass the scoop to fit) or
2) Do I use a Vans RV style airbox, cut the existing T18 lower cowl, glass in a Vans RV style air scoop into the existing cowl.

Check the newsletters there's an updated air box design that will most likely fit in your cowl ... if not you cannot find it I have one in my shop I can take some pics for you replicate

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

thank you Lee! I have renewed hope of not cutting up my lower cowl now.